Compositions and methods for treating cancers

ABSTRACT

The invention describes compounds that inhibit both HDAC and GSK3β (i.e., HDAC/GSK3β dual inhibitors). The invention further describes compositions containing these HDAC/GSK3β dual inhibitors, as well as methods and kits using these HDAC/GSK3β dual inhibitors to treat various medical conditions. The invention also provides methods and kits using a HDAC inhibitor and a GSK3β to treat various medical conditions, and compositions containing a HDAC inhibitor and a GSK3β. Medical conditions treatable with various embodiments of the invention include but are not limited to cancers and tumors.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of the U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/011,413, filed Jun. 12, 2014, the contentof which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY-SPONSORED RESEARCH

This invention was made with government support under Grant Nos.AA019996 and CA163200 awarded by the National Institutes of Health(NIH). The government has certain rights in the invention.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to compounds, compositions, methods and kits fortreating a medical condition. The condition includes but is not limitedto a cancer or tumor.

BACKGROUND

All publications cited herein are incorporated by reference in theirentirety to the same extent as if each individual publication or patentapplication was specifically and individually indicated to beincorporated by reference. The following description includesinformation that may be useful in understanding the present invention.It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein isprior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that anypublication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

Strong correlation exists between over expression of glycogen synthasekinase 3 beta (GSK3β) and cancer progression in humans. Activation ofGSK3β up-regulates proliferation and increases resistance to apoptosisin cancer cells through activation of pro-survival pathways includingthe NF-κB pathway. These observations suggest that inhibition of GSK3βis a potential treatment strategy for many cancers. However, while GSK3βinhibitors decrease cancer cell proliferation, they stimulate theconversion of cancer cells to ones that are more likely to invadesurrounding normal tissue and metastasize. This conversion to aninvasive metastatic state is called epithelial mesenchymal transition(EMT). EMT is also associated with cancer cells that are more resistantto therapies because of the cancer cell converting to a cancer stem cell(or sternness).

This invention demonstrates that inhibitors of the enzyme histonedeacetylase (HDAC) prevent EMT and enhance the anti-tumor effect ofinhibitors of GSK3β, and provides compounds, compositions, methods andkits for treating various conditions including but not limited tocancers and tumors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of the present invention provide a compound thatinhibits both HDAC and GSK3β (i.e., a dual inhibitor of HDAC and GSK3β).In some embodiments, the dual inhibitor compound is represented by (V):

wherein: L₁ and L₂ are independently a linker; R¹ is an aromatic moiety,alkyl, acyl, cyclyl or heterocyclyl, each of which can be optionallysubstituted; R² is hydrogen, lower alkyl, cyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, orheteroaryl, each of which can be optionally substituted; R³ is absent oran aromatic moiety, which can be optionally substituted; p is 0, 1, 2,3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10; and wherein one. R¹-L₁- is linked to onenitrogen of the thiadiazolidine ring and —(CH₂)_(p)—R³-L₂-C(O)NHOR² islinked to the other nitrogen of the thiadiazolidine ring.

In some other embodiments, the dual inhibitor compound is represented byFormula (V):

wherein: L₁ and L₂ are independently a linker; R¹ is an aromatic moiety,alkyl, acyl, cyclyl or heterocyclyl, each of which can be optionallysubstituted; R² is hydrogen, lower alkyl, cyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, orheteroaryl, each of which can be optionally substituted; R³ is absent oran aromatic moiety, which can be optionally substituted; and p is 0, 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10.

Various embodiments of the present invention provide a composition thatconsists of or consists essentially of or comprises a dual inhibitor ofHDAC and GSK3β. In various further embodiments, the dual inhibitor isattached to a cleavable enzyme substrate. In some embodiments, thecleavable enzyme substrate is attached to a particle, such as a magneticparticle.

Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method oftreating, preventing, reducing the likelihood of having, reducing theseverity of and/or slowing the progression of a condition in a subject.The method consists of or consists essentially of or comprises:administering a therapeutically effective amount of the dual inhibitorof HDAC and GSK3β to the subject, thereby treating, preventing, reducingthe likelihood of having, reducing the severity of and/or slowing theprogression of the condition in the subject. In various embodiments, themethod further comprises providing the dual inhibitor.

In various embodiments, the method can further comprise administrationor treatment with one or more additional anti-cancer therapies inaddition to administering the dual inhibitor. In some such embodiments,the additional anti-cancer therapy comprises surgery, radiation therapy,biotherapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, or any combination thereof.

Some embodiments of the method can further comprise administration ortreatment with one or more anti-cancer therapeutic agents in addition toadministering the dual inhibitor. In some such embodiments, theanti-cancer therapeutic agent can be a chemotherapeutic agent, a growthinhibitor agent, an anti-angiogenesis agent, a cytotoxic agent, ananti-hormonal agent, a prodrug, a cytokine, or any combinations thereof.In some embodiments, the method further comprises administering achemotherapeutic agent to the subject.

In still further embodiments, the dual inhibitor is attached to acleavable enzyme substrate and the cleavable enzyme substrate isattached to a magnetic particle, and the method further comprises usinga magnetic field to guide the dual inhibitor to a cancer or tumor.

Various embodiments of the present invention provide a kit for treating,preventing, reducing the severity of and/or slowing the progression of acondition in a subject. The kit consists of or consists essentially ofor comprises: a quantity of a dual inhibitor of HDAC and GSK3β; andinstructions for using the dual inhibitor to treat, prevent, reduce thelikelihood of having, reduce the severity of and/or slow the progressionof the condition in the subject. In various further embodiments, thedual inhibitor is attached to a cleavable enzyme substrate and thecleavable enzyme substrate is attached to a magnetic particle.

Various embodiments of the present invention provide a composition thatconsists of or consists essentially of or comprises a HDAC inhibitor anda GSK3β inhibitor. In various further embodiments, the HDAC inhibitorand/or the GSK3β inhibitor are attached to a cleavable enzyme substrateand the cleavable enzyme substrate is attached to a magnetic particle.

Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method oftreating, preventing, reducing the likelihood of having, reducing theseverity of and/or slowing the progression of a condition in a subject.The method consists of or consists essentially of or comprises:administering a therapeutically effective amount of an HDAC inhibitorand a GSK3β inhibitor to the subject, thereby treating, preventing,reducing the likelihood of having, reducing the severity of and/orslowing the progression of the condition in the subject. In variousembodiments, the method further comprises providing the HDAC inhibitorand/or the GSK3β inhibitor.

In various embodiments, the method can further comprise administrationor treatment with one or more additional anti-cancer therapies inaddition to the HDAC inhibitor and the GSK3β inhibitor. In some suchembodiments, the additional anti-cancer therapy comprises surgery,radiation therapy, biotherapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, or anycombination thereof.

Some embodiments of the method can further comprise administration ortreatment with one or more anti-cancer therapeutic agents in addition tothe HDAC inhibitor and the GSK3β inhibitor. In some such embodiments,the anti-cancer therapeutic agent can be a chemotherapeutic agent, agrowth inhibitor agent, an anti-angiogenesis agent, a cytotoxic agent,an anti-hormonal agent, a prodrug, a cytokine, or any combinationsthereof. In some embodiments, the method further comprises administeringa chemotherapeutic agent to the subject.

In still further embodiments, the HDAC inhibitor and/or the GSK3βinhibitor are attached to a cleavable enzyme substrate and the cleavableenzyme substrate is attached to a magnetic particle, and the methodfurther comprises using a magnetic field to guide the HDAC inhibitorand/or the GSK3β inhibitor to a cancer or tumor.

Various embodiments of the present invention provide a kit for treating,preventing, reducing the severity of and/or slowing the progression of acondition in a subject. The kit consists of or consists essentially ofor comprises: a quantity of a HDAC inhibitor; a quantity of a GSK3βinhibitor; and instructions for using the HDAC inhibitor and the GSK3βinhibitor to treat, prevent, reduce the likelihood of having, reduce theseverity of and/or slow the progression of the condition in the subject.In various further embodiments, the HDAC inhibitor and/or the GSK3βinhibitor are attached to a cleavable enzyme substrate and the cleavableenzyme substrate is attached to a magnetic particle.

Various compounds, compositions, methods and kits of the presentinvention find utility in the treatment of various conditions, includingbut not limited to cancers and tumors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures. It isintended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to beconsidered illustrative rather than restrictive.

FIG. 1 depicts, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention,the inventors' novel strategy to inhibit cancer growth, metastasis andresistance to treatment.

FIG. 2 depicts, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention,effect of HDAC inhibitor Saha (50 mg/Kg) and GSK3β inhibitor (4 mg/Kg)alone and in combination on reducing PanIN lesion formation.

FIG. 3 depicts, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention,effect of HDAC inhibitor Saha (50 mg/Kg) and GSK3β inhibitor (4 mg/Kg)alone and in combination on fibrosis.

FIG. 4 depicts, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention,effect of HDAC, GSK3β inhibitions combined with gemcitabine on EMT inMIA PaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cells.

FIG. 5 depicts, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention,dose-dependent effect of GSK3β inhibitor tideglusib on cell survival inpancreatic cancer cells MIA PaCa-2 (*p<0.05 compared to control).

FIG. 6 depicts, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention,dose-dependent effect of HDAC inhibitor Saha on cell survival inpancreatic cancer cells MIA PaCa-2 (*p<0.05 compared to control).

FIG. 7 depicts, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention,effect of combination of GSK3β inhibitor tideglusib and HDAC inhibitorSaha on cell survival in pancreatic cancer cells MIA PaCa-2. (& p<0.05compared to Saha alone).

FIG. 8 depicts, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention,the structures of examples of HDAC inhibitors. For example,suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) binds to the active site of HDACand act as a chelator for Zinc ions also found in the active site ofHDAC. More information may be found in Ekou et al. (Histone DeacetylaseInhibitors: Synthesis of Tetrapeptide Analogue SAHA/TPX; J. Chem. 2011;8(S1): S79-S84), which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety as though fully set forth.

FIG. 9 depicts, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention,the structures of examples of GSK3β inhibitors. For example, SB216763 isan ATP analog; TDZD-8, a thiadiazolidinone derivative, is a potent andselective small molecule non ATP-competitive GSK3β inhibitor; andTideglusib (NP-12;4-Benzyl-2-(naphthalen-1-yl)-1,2,4-thiadiazolidine-3,5-dione) is apotent and selective small molecule non ATP-competitive GSK3β inhibitor.

FIG. 10 depicts, in accordance with various embodiments of theinvention, one non-limiting example of the inventors' compounds thatinhibit both HDAC and GSK3β. Ar refers to aromatic moiety and spacerrefers to carbon linkers.

FIG. 11 depicts, in accordance with various embodiments of theinvention, one non-limiting example of protease moiety for pancreaticcancer: Cathepsin G substrate.

FIG. 12 depicts, in accordance with various embodiments of theinvention, non-limiting example of nanomaterials for pancreatic cancer:siMAG. As shown, the HDAC inhibitor, the GSK3β inhibitor, and/or thedual inhibitor can be conjugated to the si-MAG particles using thewell-known carbodiimide coupling method or the Mannich reaction.

FIG. 13 shows that the compound ALB-185357 dose-dependently decreasescell survival as measured by MTT assay in BxPC-3 pancreatic cancer cellline cultured for 72 h. *Significance compared to control; #significancebetween tideglusib+saha vs ALB-185357 used at the same concentration,p<0.05.

FIG. 14 shows that ALB-185357 dose-dependently increases apoptosis asmeasured by DNA fragmentation level in MIA PaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cellline. *Significance compared to control, p<0.05.

FIG. 15 shows that the combination of ALB-185357 and gemcitabine inducesa synergistic effect on inducing apoptosis in MIA PaCa-2 pancreaticcancer cell line. Dashed lane represents the expected additive effect(Significance between expected additive effect and observed effect isachieved at 2.4 uM).

FIGS. 16A and 16B show that compounds ALB-188540 (FIG. 16A) andALB-185643 (FIG. 16B) show similar effect on survival of BxPC3 cells asthe compound ALB-185357. *Significance compared to control, p<0.05.

FIG. 17-19 show that compound ALB-185357 dose-dependently decreases cellsurvival measured by MTT assay and cell numbers in different cancersincluding in the BT474 breast cancer cells (FIG. 17), hepatocellularcarcinoma HepG2 cells (FIG. 18), and Raji lymphoma cells (FIG. 19).*Significance compared to control, p<0.05. This data indicate thatALB-185357 inhibits cells survival of various cancer cell types.

FIG. 20 shows that the compound ALB-185357 does not affect cell survivalof normal pancreatic ductal cells. *Significance compared to control,p<0.05.

FIG. 21 shows that the compound ALB-185357 dose-dependently up-regulatesthe predicted targets histone acetylation and GSK-3βphosphorylation/inhibition in MIA PaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cell line.

FIGS. 22A and 22B show that the compound ALB-185357 decreases expressionof markers of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (N-cadherin andtwist), which mediate metastasis, and cancer sternness marker (Sox2),which mediate resistance to treatments (FIG. 22A), and decreases theinvasion of MIA PaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cell line (FIG. 22B).

FIG. 23 shows that the compound ALB-185357 significantly increases micesurvival by at least 50%.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

All references cited herein are incorporated by reference in theirentirety as though fully set forth. Unless defined otherwise, technicaland scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonlyunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this inventionbelongs. Allen et al., Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy22^(nd) ed., Pharmaceutical Press (Sep. 15, 2012); Hornyak et al.,Introduction to Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, CRC Press (2008);Singleton and Sainsbury, Dictionary of Microbiology and MolecularBiology 3^(rd) ed., revised ed., J. Wiley & Sons (New York, N.Y. 2006);Smith, March's Advanced Organic Chemistry Reactions, Mechanisms andStructure 7^(th) ed., J. Wiley & Sons (New York, N.Y. 2013); Singleton,Dictionary of DNA and Genome Technology 3^(rd) ed., Wiley-Blackwell(Nov. 28, 2012); and Green and Sambrook, Molecular Cloning: A LaboratoryManual 4th ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press (Cold Spring Harbor,N.Y. 2012), provide one skilled in the art with a general guide to manyof the terms used in the present application. For references on how toprepare antibodies, see Greenfield, Antibodies A Laboratory Manual2^(nd) ed., Cold Spring Harbor Press (Cold Spring Harbor N.Y., 2013);Köhler and Milstein, Derivation of specific antibody-producing tissueculture and tumor lines by cell fusion, Eur. J. Immunol. 1976 July,6(7):511-9; Queen and Selick, Humanized immunoglobulins, U.S. Pat. No.5,585,089 (1996 December); and Riechmann et al., Reshaping humanantibodies for therapy, Nature 1988 Mar. 24, 332(6162):323-7.

One skilled in the art will recognize many methods and materials similaror equivalent to those described herein, which could be used in thepractice of the present invention. Other features and advantages of theinvention will become apparent from the following detailed description,taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate,by way of example, various features of embodiments of the invention.Indeed, the present invention is in no way limited to the methods andmaterials described. For convenience, certain terms employed herein, inthe specification, examples and appended claims are collected here.

Unless stated otherwise, or implicit from context, the following termsand phrases include the meanings provided below. Unless explicitlystated otherwise, or apparent from context, the terms and phrases belowdo not exclude the meaning that the term or phrase has acquired in theart to which it pertains. The definitions are provided to aid indescribing particular embodiments, and are not intended to limit theclaimed invention, because the scope of the invention is limited only bythe claims. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific termsused herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one ofordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

As used herein the term “comprising” or “comprises” is used in referenceto compositions, methods, and respective component(s) thereof, that areuseful to an embodiment, yet open to the inclusion of unspecifiedelements, whether useful or not. It will be understood by those withinthe art that, in general, terms used herein are generally intended as“open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as“including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpretedas “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as“includes but is not limited to,” etc.).

Unless stated otherwise, the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similarreferences used in the context of describing a particular embodiment ofthe application (especially in the context of claims) can be construedto cover both the singular and the plural. The recitation of ranges ofvalues herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method ofreferring individually to each separate value falling within the range.Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporatedinto the specification as if it were individually recited herein. Allmethods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unlessotherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (for example,“such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein isintended merely to better illuminate the application and does not pose alimitation on the scope of the application otherwise claimed. Theabbreviation, “e.g.” is derived from the Latin exempli gratia, and isused herein to indicate a non-limiting example. Thus, the abbreviation“e.g.” is synonymous with the term “for example.” No language in thespecification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed elementessential to the practice of the application.

As used herein, the terms “treat,” “treatment,” “treating,” or“amelioration” when used in reference to a disease, disorder or medicalcondition, refer to both therapeutic treatment and prophylactic orpreventative measures, wherein the object is to prevent, reverse,alleviate, ameliorate, inhibit, lessen, slow down or stop theprogression or severity of a symptom or condition. The term “treating”includes reducing or alleviating at least one adverse effect or symptomof a condition. Treatment is generally “effective” if one or moresymptoms or clinical markers are reduced. Alternatively, treatment is“effective” if the progression of a disease, disorder or medicalcondition is reduced or halted. That is, “treatment” includes not justthe improvement of symptoms or markers, but also a cessation or at leastslowing of progress or worsening of symptoms that would be expected inthe absence of treatment. Also, “treatment” may mean to pursue or obtainbeneficial results, or lower the chances of the individual developingthe condition even if the treatment is ultimately unsuccessful. Those inneed of treatment include those already with the condition as well asthose prone to have the condition or those in whom the condition is tobe prevented.

“Beneficial results” or “desired results” may include, but are in no waylimited to, lessening or alleviating the severity of the diseasecondition, preventing the disease condition from worsening, curing thedisease condition, preventing the disease condition from developing,lowering the chances of a patient developing the disease condition,decreasing morbidity and mortality, and prolonging a patient's life orlife expectancy. As non-limiting examples, “beneficial results” or“desired results” may be alleviation of one or more symptom(s),diminishment of extent of the deficit, stabilized (i.e., not worsening)state of cancer or tumor, delay or slowing of cancer or tumor, andamelioration or palliation of symptoms associated with cancer or tumor.

“Conditions” and “disease conditions,” as used herein may include, butare in no way limited to any form of malignant neoplastic cellproliferative disorders or diseases. Examples of such disorders includebut are not limited to cancer and tumor.

A “cancer” or “tumor” as used herein refers to an uncontrolled growth ofcells which interferes with the normal functioning of the bodily organsand systems, and/or all neoplastic cell growth and proliferation,whether malignant or benign, and all pre-cancerous and cancerous cellsand tissues. A subject that has a cancer or a tumor is a subject havingobjectively measurable cancer cells present in the subject's body.Included in this definition are benign and malignant cancers, as well asdormant tumors or micrometastasis. Cancers which migrate from theiroriginal location and seed vital organs can eventually lead to the deathof the subject through the functional deterioration of the affectedorgans. As used herein, the term “invasive” refers to the ability toinfiltrate and destroy surrounding tissue. Melanoma is an invasive formof skin tumor. As used herein, the term “carcinoma” refers to a cancerarising from epithelial cells.

Examples of cancer include, but are not limited to, nervous systemtumor, brain tumor, nerve sheath tumor, breast cancer, colon cancer,carcinoma, lung cancer, hepatocellular cancer, gastric cancer,pancreatic cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, liver cancer,bladder cancer, cancer of the urinary tract, thyroid cancer, renalcancer, renal cell carcinoma, carcinoma, melanoma, head and neck cancer,brain cancer, and prostate cancer, including but not limited toandrogen-dependent prostate cancer and androgen-independent prostatecancer. Examples of brain tumor include, but are not limited to, benignbrain tumor, malignant brain tumor, primary brain tumor, secondary braintumor, metastatic brain tumor, glioma, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM),medulloblastoma, ependymoma, astrocytoma, pilocytic astrocytoma,oligodendroglioma, brainstem glioma, optic nerve glioma, mixed gliomasuch as oligoastrocytoma, low-grade glioma, high-grade glioma,supratentorial glioma, infratentorial glioma, pontine glioma,meningioma, pituitary adenoma, and nerve sheath tumor. Nervous systemtumor or nervous system neoplasm refers to any tumor affecting thenervous system. A nervous system tumor can be a tumor in the centralnervous system (CNS), in the peripheral nervous system (PNS), or in bothCNS and PNS. Examples of nervous system tumor include but are notlimited to brain tumor, nerve sheath tumor, and optic nerve glioma.

As used herein, the term “administering,” refers to the placement anagent as disclosed herein into a subject by a method or route whichresults in at least partial localization of the agents at a desiredsite. “Route of administration” may refer to any administration pathwayknown in the art, including but not limited to aerosol, nasal, oral,transmucosal, transdermal, parenteral, enteral, topical or local.“Parenteral” refers to a route of administration that is generallyassociated with injection, including intraorbital, infusion,intraarterial, intracapsular, intracardiac, intradermal, intramuscular,intraperitoneal, intrapulmonary, intraspinal, intrasternal, intrathecal,intrauterine, intravenous, subarachnoid, subcapsular, subcutaneous,transmucosal, or transtracheal. Via the parenteral route, thecompositions may be in the form of solutions or suspensions for infusionor for injection, or as lyophilized powders. Via the enteral route, thepharmaceutical compositions can be in the form of tablets, gel capsules,sugar-coated tablets, syrups, suspensions, solutions, powders, granules,emulsions, microspheres or nanospheres or lipid vesicles or polymervesicles allowing controlled release. Via the topical route, thepharmaceutical compositions can be in the form of aerosol, lotion,cream, gel, ointment, suspensions, solutions or emulsions. In accordancewith the present invention, “administering” can be self-administering.For example, it is considered as “administering” that a subject consumesa composition as disclosed herein.

The term “sample” or “biological sample” as used herein denotes a sampletaken or isolated from a biological organism, e.g., a tumor sample froma subject. Exemplary biological samples include, but are not limited to,a biofluid sample; serum; plasma; urine; saliva; a tumor sample; a tumorbiopsy and/or tissue sample etc. The term also includes a mixture of theabove-mentioned samples. The term “sample” also includes untreated orpretreated (or pre-processed) biological samples. In some embodiments, asample can comprise one or more cells from the subject. In someembodiments, a sample can be a tumor cell sample, e.g. the sample cancomprise cancerous cells, cells from a tumor, and/or a tumor biopsy.

As used herein, a “subject” means a human or animal. Usually the animalis a vertebrate such as a primate, rodent, domestic animal or gameanimal. Primates include chimpanzees, cynomologous monkeys, spidermonkeys, and macaques, e.g., Rhesus. Rodents include mice, rats,woodchucks, ferrets, rabbits and hamsters. Domestic and game animalsinclude cows, horses, pigs, deer, bison, buffalo, feline species, e.g.,domestic cat, and canine species, e.g., dog, fox, wolf. The terms,“patient”, “individual” and “subject” are used interchangeably herein.In an embodiment, the subject is mammal. The mammal can be a human,non-human primate, mouse, rat, dog, cat, horse, or cow, but are notlimited to these examples. In addition, the methods described herein canbe used to treat domesticated animals and/or pets.

“Mammal” as used herein refers to any member of the class Mammalia,including, without limitation, humans and nonhuman primates such aschimpanzees and other apes and monkey species; farm animals such ascattle, sheep, pigs, goats and horses; domestic mammals such as dogs andcats; laboratory animals including rodents such as mice, rats and guineapigs, and the like. The term does not denote a particular age or sex.Thus, adult and newborn subjects, as well as fetuses, whether male orfemale, are intended to be included within the scope of this term.

A subject can be one who has been previously diagnosed with oridentified as suffering from or having a condition in need of treatment(e.g., cancer or tumor) or one or more complications related to thecondition, and optionally, have already undergone treatment for thecondition or the one or more complications related to the condition.Alternatively, a subject can also be one who has not been previouslydiagnosed as having a condition or one or more complications related tothe condition. For example, a subject can be one who exhibits one ormore risk factors for a condition or one or more complications relatedto the condition or a subject who does not exhibit risk factors. A“subject in need” of treatment for a particular condition can be asubject suspected of having that condition, diagnosed as having thatcondition, already treated or being treated for that condition, nottreated for that condition, or at risk of developing that condition.

The term “anti-cancer therapy” refers to a therapy useful in treatingcancer. Examples of anti-cancer therapeutic agents include, but arelimited to, e.g., surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapeutic agents,growth inhibitory agents, cytotoxic agents, agents used in radiationtherapy, anti-angiogenesis agents, apoptotic agents, anti-tubulinagents, and other agents to treat cancer, such as anti-HER-2 antibodies(e.g., Herceptin™), anti-CD20 antibodies, an epidermal growth factorreceptor (EGFR) antagonist (e.g., a tyrosine kinase inhibitor),HER1/EGFR inhibitor (e.g., erlotinib (Tarceva™), platelet derived growthfactor inhibitors (e.g., Gleevec™ (Imatinib Mesylate)), a COX-2inhibitor (e.g., celecoxib), interferons, cytokines, antagonists (e.g.,neutralizing antibodies) that bind to one or more of the followingtargets ErbB2, ErbB3, ErbB4, PDGFR-beta, BlyS, APRIL, BCMA or VEGFreceptor(s), TRAIL/Apo2, and other bioactive and organic chemicalagents, etc. Combinations thereof are also included in the embodimentsdescribed herein.

The term “cytotoxic agent” as used herein refers to a substance thatinhibits or prevents the function of cells and/or causes destruction ofcells. The term is intended to include radioactive isotopes (e.g. At²¹¹,I¹³¹, I¹²⁵, Y⁹⁰, Re¹⁸⁶, Re¹⁸⁸, Sm¹⁵³, Bi²¹², P³² and radioactiveisotopes of Lu), chemotherapeutic agents, and toxins such as smallmolecule toxins or enzymatically active toxins of bacterial, fungal,plant or animal origin, including fragments and/or variants thereof.

As used herein, a “chemotherapeutic agent” is a chemical compound usefulin the treatment of cancer. Examples of chemotherapeutic agents include,but are not limited to, alkylating agents such as thiotepa and CYTOXAN™cyclosphosphamide; alkyl sulfonates such as busulfan, improsulfan andpiposulfan; aziridines such as benzodopa, carboquone, meturedopa, anduredopa; ethylenimines and methylamelamines including altretamine,tricthylcnemclaminc, trictylenophosphoramide,triethiylcncthiophosphoramidc and trimethylolomelamine; acetogenins(especially bullatacin and bullatacinone); a camptothecin (including thesynthetic analogue topotecan); bryostatin; callystatin; CC-1065(including its adozelesin, carzelesin and bizelesin syntheticanalogues); cryptophycins (particularly cryptophycin 1 and cryptophycin8); dolastatin; duocarmycin (including the synthetic analogues, KW-2189and CB1-TM1); eleutherobin; pancratistatin; a sarcodictyin;spongistatin; nitrogen mustards such as chlorambucil, chlornaphazine,cholophosphamide, estramustine, ifosfamide, mechlorethamine,mechlorethamine oxide hydrochloride, melphalan, novembichin,phenesterine, prednimustine, trofosfamide, uracil mustard; nitrosureassuch as carmustine, chlorozotocin, fotemustine, lomustine, nimustine,and ranimnustine; antibiotics such as the enediyne antibiotics (e.g.,calicheamicin, especially calicheamicin gamma1I and calicheamicinomegaI1 (see, e.g., Agnew, Chem. Intl. Ed. Engl., 33: 183-186 (1994));dynemicin, including dynemicin A; bisphosphonates, such as clodronate;an esperamicin; as well as neocarzinostatin chromophore and relatedchromoprotein enediyne antibiotic chromophores), aclacinomysins,actinomycin, authramycin, azaserine, bleomycins, cactinomycin,carabicin, caminomycin, carzinophilin, chromomycinis, dactinomycin,daunorubicin, detorubicin, 6-diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine, ADRIAMYCIN™,doxorubicin (including morpholino-doxorubicin,cyanomorpholino-doxorubicin, 2-pyrrolino-doxorubicin anddeoxydoxorubicin), epirubicin, esorubicin, idarubicin, marcellomycin,mitomycins such as mitomycin C, mycophenolic acid, nogalamycin,olivomycins, peplomycin, potfiromycin, puromycin, quelamycin,rodorubicin, streptonigrin, streptozocin, tubercidin, ubenimex,zinostatin, zorubicin; anti-metabolites such as methotrexate and5-fluorouracil (5-FU); folic acid analogues such as denopterin,methotrexate, pteropterin, trimetrexate; purine analogs such asfludarabine, 6-mercaptopurine, thiamiprine, thioguanine; pyrimidineanalogs such as ancitabine, azacitidine, 6-azauridine, carmofur,cytarabine, dideoxyuridine, doxifluridine, enocitabine, floxuridine;androgens such as calusterone, dromostanolone propionate, epitiostanol,mepitiostane, testolactone; anti-adrenals such as aminoglutethimide,mitotane, trilostane; folic acid replenisher such as frolinic acid;aceglatone; aldophosphamide glycoside; aminolevulinic acid; eniluracil;amsacrine; bestrabucil; bisantrene; edatraxate; defofamine; demecolcine;diaziquone; elformithine; elliptinium acetate; an epothilone; etoglucid;gallium nitrate; hydroxyurea; lentinan; lonidainine; maytansinoids suchas maytansine and ansamitocins; mitoguazone; mitoxantrone; mopidanmol;nitraerine; pentostatin; phenamet; pirarubicin; losoxantrone;podophyllinic acid; 2-ethylhydrazide; procarbazine; PSK™, polysaccharidecomplex (JHS Natural Products, Eugene, Oreg.); razoxane; rhizoxin;sizofuran; spirogermanium; tenuazonic acid; triaziquone;2,2′,2″-trichlorotriethylamine; trichothecenes (especially T-2 toxin,verracurin A, roridin A and anguidine); urethan; vindesine; dacarbazine;mannomustine; mitobronitol; mitolactol; pipobroman; gacytosine;arabinoside (“Ara-C”); cyclophosphamide; thiotepa; taxoids, e.g.,TAXOL™, paclitaxel (Bristol-Myers Squibb Oncology, Princeton, N.J.),ABRAXANE™, Cremophor-free, albumin-engineered nanoparticle formulationof paclitaxel (American Pharmaceutical Partners, Schaumberg, Ill.), andTAXOTERE™, doxetaxel (Rhone-Poulenc Rorer, Antony, France);chloranbucil; GEMZAR™ gemcitabine; 6-thioguanine; mercaptopurine;methotrexate; platinum analogs such as cisplatin, oxaliplatin andcarboplatin; vinblastine; platinum; etoposide (VP-16); ifosfamide;mitoxantrone; vincristine; NAVELBINE® vinorelbine; novantrone;teniposide; edatrexate; daunomycin; aminopterin; xeloda; ibandronate;irinotecan (Camptosar, CPT-11) (including the treatment regimen ofirinotecan with 5-FU and leucovorin); topoisomerase inhibitor RFS 2000;difluoromethylornithine (DMFO); retinoids such as retinoic acid;capecitabine; combretastatin; leucovorin (LV); oxaliplatin, includingthe oxaliplatin treatment regimen (FOLFOX); lapatinib (Tykerb™);inhibitors of PKC-alpha, Raf, H-Ras, EGFR (e.g., erlotinib (Tarceva™.))and VEGF-A that reduce cell proliferation and pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts, acids or derivatives of any of the above.

Also included in this definition are anti-hormonal agents that act toregulate or inhibit hormone action on tumors such as anti-estrogens andselective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), including, for example,tamoxifen (including NOLVADEX™ tamoxifen), raloxifene, droloxifene,4-hydroxytamoxifen, trioxifene, keoxifene, LY117018, onapristone, andFARESTON toremifene; aromatase inhibitors that inhibit the enzymearomatase, which regulates estrogen production in the adrenal glands,such as, for example, 4(5)-imidazoles, aminoglutethimide, MEGASE™megestrol acetate, AROMASIN™ exemestane, formestanie, fadrozole,RIVISOR™ vorozole, FEMARA™ letrozole, and ARIMIDEX™ anastrozole; andanti-androgens such as flutamide, nilutamide, bicalutamide, leuprolide,and goserelin; as well as troxacitabine (a 1,3-dioxolane nucleosidecytosine analog); antisense oligonucleotides, particularly those whichinhibit expression of genes in signaling pathways implicated in aberrantcell proliferation, such as, for example, PKC-alpha, Ralf and H-Ras;ribozymes such as a VEGF expression inhibitor (e.g., ANGIOZYME™ribozyme) and a HER2 expression inhibitor; vaccines such as gene therapyvaccines, for example, ALLOVECTIN™ vaccine, LEUVECTIN™ vaccine, andVAXID™ vaccine; PROLEUKIN™ rIL-2; LURTOTECAN™ topoisomerase 1 inhibitor;ABARELIX™ rmRH; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, acids orderivatives of any of the above.

In some embodiments, the chemotherapeutic agent is selected from thegroup consisting of Actinomycin, Alitretinoin, All-trans retinoic acid,Azacitidine, Azathioprine, Bevacizumab, Bexatotene, Bleomycin,Bortezomib, Carboplatin, Capecitabine, Cetuximab, Cisplatin,Chlorambucil, Cyclophosphamide, Cytarabine, Daunorubicin, Docetaxel,Doxifluridine, Doxorubicin, Epirubicin, Epothilone, Erlotinib,Etoposide, Fluorouracil, Gefitinib, Gemcitabine, Hydroxyurea,Idarubicin, Imatinib, Ipilimumab, Irinotecan, Mechlorethamine,Melphalan, Mercaptopurine, Methotrexate, Mitoxantrone, Ocrelizumab,Ofatumumab, Oxaliplatin, Paclitaxel, Panitumab, Pemetrexed, Rituximab,Tafluposide, Teniposide, Tioguanine, Topotecan, Tretinoin, Valrubicin,Vemurafenib, Vinblastine, Vincristine, Vindesine, Vinorelbine,Vorinostat, Romidepsin, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP),Cladribine, Clofarabine, Floxuridine, Fludarabine, Pentostatin,Mitomycin, ixabepilone, Estramustine, prednisone, methylprednisolone,dexamethasone or a combination thereof.

The term “cytokine” is a generic term for proteins released by one cellpopulation which act on another cell as intercellular mediators.Examples of such cytokines are lymphokines, monokines, and traditionalpolypeptide hormones. Included among the cytokines are growth hormonesuch as human growth hormone, N-methionyl human growth hormone, andbovine growth hormone; parathyroid hormone; thyroxine; insulin;proinsulin; relaxin; prorelaxin; glycoprotein hormones such as folliclestimulating hormone (FSH), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), andluteinizing hormone (LH); epidermal growth factor; hepatic growthfactor; fibroblast growth factor; prolactin; placental lactogen; tumornecrosis factor-alpha and -beta; mullerian-inhibiting substance; mousegonadotropin-associated peptide; inhibin; activin; vascular endothelialgrowth factor; integrin; thrombopoietin (TPO); nerve growth factors suchas NGF-alpha; platelet-growth factor; transforming growth factors (TGFs)such as TGF-alpha and TGF-beta; insulin-like growth factor-I and -II;erythropoietin (EPO); osteoinductive factors; interferons such asinterferon-alpha, -beta and -gamma colony stimulating factors (CSFs)such as macrophage-CSF (M-CSF); granulocyte-macrophage-CSF (GM-CSF); andgranulocyte-CSF (G-CSF); interleukins (ILs) such as IL-1, IL-1alpha,IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-9, IL-10, IL-11, IL-12; atumor necrosis factor such as TNF-alpha or TNF-beta; and otherpolypeptide factors including LIF and kit ligand (KL). As used herein,the term cytokine includes proteins from natural sources or fromrecombinant cell culture and biologically active equivalents of thenative sequence cytokines.

A “growth inhibitory agent” when used herein refers to a compound orcomposition which inhibits growth of a cell in vitro and/or in vivo.Thus, the growth inhibitory agent may be one which significantly reducesthe percentage of cells in S phase. Examples of growth inhibitory agentsinclude agents that block cell cycle progression (at a place other thanS phase), such as agents that induce G1 arrest and M-phase arrest.Classical M-phase blockers include the vincas (vincristine andvinblastine), TAXOL™, and topo II inhibitors such as doxorubicin,epirubicin, daunorubicin, etoposide, and bleomycin. Those agents thatarrest G1 also spill over into S-phase arrest, for example, DNAalkylating agents such as tamoxifen, prednisone, dacarbazine,mechlorethamine, cisplatin, methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil, and ara-C.Further information can be found in The Molecular Basis of Cancer,Mendelsohn and Israel, eds., Chapter 1, entitled “Cell cycle regulation,oncogenes, and antineoplastic drugs” by Murakami et al. (WB Saunders:Philadelphia, 1995), especially p. 13.

By “radiation therapy” is meant the use of directed gamma rays or betarays to induce sufficient damage to a cell so as to limit its ability tofunction normally or to destroy the cell altogether. It will beappreciated that there will be many ways known in the art to determinethe dosage and duration of treatment. Typical treatments are given as aone-time administration and typical dosages range from 10 to 200 units(Grays) per day.

The term “statistically significant” or “significantly” refers tostatistical evidence that there is a difference. It is defined as theprobability of making a decision to reject the null hypothesis when thenull hypothesis is actually true. The decision is often made using thep-value.

The term “functional” when used in conjunction with “equivalent”,“analog”, “derivative” or “variant” or “fragment” refers to an entity ormolecule which possess a biological activity that is substantiallysimilar to a biological activity of the entity or molecule of which itis an equivalent, analog, derivative, variant or fragment thereof.

As used herein, the term “aliphatic” means a moiety characterized by astraight or branched chain arrangement of constituent carbon atoms andcan be saturated or partially unsaturated with one or more (e.g., one,two, three, four, five or more) double or triple bonds.

As used herein, the term “alicyclic” means a moiety comprising anonaromatic ring structure. Alicyclic moieties can be saturated orpartially unsaturated with one or more double or triple bonds. Alicyclicmoieties can also optionally comprise heteroatoms such as nitrogen,oxygen and sulfur. The nitrogen atoms can be optionally quaternerized oroxidized and the sulfur atoms can be optionally oxidized. Examples ofalicyclic moieties include, but are not limited to moieties with C₃-C₈rings such as cyclopropyl, cyclohexane, cyclopentane, cyclopentene,cyclopentadiene, cyclohexane, cyclohexene, cyclohexadiene, cycloheptanc,cycloheptene, cycloheptadiene, cyclooctane, cyclooctene, andcyclooctadiene.

As used herein, the term “alkyl” means a straight or branched, saturatedaliphatic radical having a chain of carbon atoms. C_(x) alkyl andC_(x)-C_(y)alkyl are typically used where X and Y indicate the number ofcarbon atoms in the chain. For example, C1-C₆alkyl includes alkyls thathave a chain of between 1 and 6 carbons (e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl,isopropyl, butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, neopentyl,hexyl, and the like). Alkyl represented along with another radical(e.g., as in arylalkyl) means a straight or branched, saturated alkyldivalent radical having the number of atoms indicated or when no atomsare indicated means a bond, e.g., (C₆-C₁₀)aryl(C₀-C₃)alkyl includesphenyl, benzyl, phenethyl, 1-phenylethyl 3-phenylpropyl, and the like.Backbone of the alkyl can be optionally inserted with one or moreheteroatoms, such as N, O, or S. The term “alkyl” includes heteroalkyl.

In preferred embodiments, a straight chain or branched chain alkyl has30 or fewer carbon atoms in its backbone (e.g., C1-C30 for straightchains, C3-C30 for branched chains), and more preferably 20 or fewer.Likewise, preferred cycloalkyls have from 3-10 carbon atoms in theirring structure, and more preferably have 5, 6 or 7 carbons in the ringstructure. The term “alkyl” (or “lower alkyl”) as used throughout thespecification, examples, and claims is intended to include both“unsubstituted alkyls” and “substituted alkyls”, the latter of whichrefers to alkyl moieties having one or more substituents replacing ahydrogen on one or more carbons of the hydrocarbon backbone.

Unless the number of carbons is otherwise specified, “lower alkyl” asused herein means an alkyl group, as defined above, but having from oneto ten carbons, more preferably from one to six carbon atoms in itsbackbone structure. Likewise, “lower alkenyl” and “lower alkynyl” havesimilar chain lengths. Throughout the application, preferred alkylgroups are lower alkyls.

In preferred embodiments, a substituent designated herein as alkyl is alower alkyl.

Substituents of a substituted alkyl can include halogen, hydroxy, nitro,thiols, amino, azido, imino, amido, phosphoryl (including phosphonateand phosphinate), sulfonyl (including sulfate, sulfonamido, sulfamoyland sulfonate), and silyl groups, as well as ethers, alkylthios,carbonyls (including ketones, aldehydes, carboxylates, and esters),—CF3, —CN and the like.

As used herein, the term “alkenyl” refers to unsaturated straight-chain,branched-chain or cyclic hydrocarbon radicals having at least onecarbon-carbon double bond. C_(x) alkenyl and C_(x)-C_(y)alkenyl aretypically used where X and Y indicate the number of carbon atoms in thechain. For example, C₂-C₆alkenyl includes alkenyls that have a chain ofbetween 1 and 6 carbons and at least one double bond, e.g., vinyl,allyl, propenyl, isopropenyl, 1-butenyl, 2-butenyl, 3-butenyl,2-methylallyl, 1-hexenyl, 2-hexenyl, 3-hexenyl, and the like). Alkenylrepresented along with another radical (e.g., as in arylalkenyl) means astraight or branched, alkenyl divalent radical having the number ofatoms indicated. Backbone of the alkenyl can be optionally inserted withone or more heteroatoms, such as N, O, or S.

As used herein, the term “alkynyl” refers to unsaturated hydrocarbonradicals having at least one carbon-carbon triple bond. C_(x) alkynyland C_(x)-C_(y)alkynyl are typically used where X and Y indicate thenumber of carbon atoms in the chain. For example, C₂-C₆alkynyl includesalkynls that have a chain of between 1 and 6 carbons and at least onetriple bond, e.g., ethynyl, 1-propynyl, 2-propynyl, 1-butynyl,isopentynyl, 1,3-hexa-diyn-yl, n-hexynyl, 3-pentynyl, 1-hexen-3-ynyl andthe like. Alkynyl represented along with another radical (e.g., as inarylalkynyl) means a straight or branched, alkynyl divalent radicalhaving the number of atoms indicated. Backbone of the alkynyl can beoptionally inserted with one or more heteroatoms, such as N, O, or S.

The terms “alkylene,” “alkenylene,” and “alkynylene” refer to divalentalkyl, alkelyne, and alkynylene” radicals. Prefixes C_(x) andC_(x)-C_(y) are typically used where X and Y indicate the number ofcarbon atoms in the chain. For example, C₁-C₆alkylene includesmethylene, (—CH₂—), ethylene (—CH₂CH₂—), trimethylene (—CH₂CH₂CH₂—),tetramethylene (CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂), 2-methyltetramethylene(CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₂), pentamethylene (CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂) and the like).

As used herein, the term “alkylidene” means a straight or branchedunsaturated, aliphatic, divalent radical having a general formula═CR_(a)R_(b). C_(x) alkylidene and C_(x)-C_(y)alkylidene are typicallyused where X and Y indicate the number of carbon atoms in the chain. Forexample, C₂-C₆alkylidene includes methylidene (═CH₂), ethylidene(═CHCH₃), isopropylidene (═C(CH₃)₂), propylidene (═CHCH₂CH₃), allylidene(═CH—CH═CH₂), and the like).

The term “heteroalkyl”, as used herein, refers to straight or branchedchain, or cyclic carbon-containing radicals, or combinations thereof,containing at least one heteroatom. Suitable heteroatoms include, butare not limited to, O, N, Si, P, Se, B, and S, wherein the phosphorousand sulfur atoms are optionally oxidized, and the nitrogen heteroatom isoptionally quaternized. Heteroalkyls can be substituted as defined abovefor alkyl groups.

As used herein, the term “halogen” or “halo” refers to an atom selectedfrom fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine. The term “halogenradioisotope” or “halo isotope” refers to a radionuclide of an atomselected from fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine.

A “halogen-substituted moiety” or “halo-substituted moiety”, as anisolated group or part of a larger group, means an aliphatic, alicyclic,or aromatic moiety, as described herein, substituted by one or more“halo” atoms, as such terms are defined in this application. Forexample, halo-substituted alkyl includes haloalkyl, dihaloalkyl,trihaloalkyl, perhaloalkyl and the like (e.g. halosubstituted(C₁-C₃)alkyl includes chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, difluoromethyl,trifluoromethyl (—CF₃), 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, perfluoroethyl,2,2,2-trifluoro-1,1-dichloroethyl, and the like).

The term “aryl” refers to monocyclic, bicyclic, or tricyclic fusedaromatic ring system. C_(x) aryl and C_(x)-C_(y)aryl are typically usedwhere X and Y indicate the number of carbon atoms in the ring system.Exemplary aryl groups include, but are not limited to, pyridinyl,pyrimidinyl, furanyl, thienyl, imidazolyl, thiazolyl, pyrazolyl,pyridazinyl, pyrazinyl, triazinyl, tetrazolyl, indolyl, benzyl, phenyl,naphthyl, anthracenyl, azulenyl, fluorenyl, indanyl, indenyl, naphthyl,phenyl, tetrahydronaphthyl, benzimidazolyl, benzofuranyl,benzothiofuranyl, benzothiophenyl, benzoxazolyl, benzoxazolinyl,benzthiazolyl, benztriazolyl, benztetrazolyl, benzisoxazolyl,benzisothiazolyl, benzimidazolinyl, carbazolyl, 4aH carbazolyl,carbolinyl, chromanyl, chromenyl, cinnolinyl, decahydroquinolinyl,2H,6H-1,5,2-dithiazinyl, dihydrofuro[2,3 b]tetrahydrofuran, furanyl,furazanyl, imidazolidinyl, imidazolinyl, imidazolyl, 1H-indazolyl,indolenyl, indolinyl, indolizinyl, indolyl, 3H-indolyl, isatinoyl,isobenzofuranyl, isochromanyl, isoindazolyl, isoindolinyl, isoindolyl,isoquinolinyl, isothiazolyl, isoxazolyl, methylenedioxyphenyl,morpholinyl, naphthyridinyl, octahydroisoquinolinyl, oxadiazolyl,1,2,3-oxadiazolyl, 1,2,4-oxadiazolyl, 1,2,5-oxadiazolyl,1,3,4-oxadiazolyl, oxazolidinyl, oxazolyl, oxindolyl, pyrimidinyl,phenanthridinyl, phenanthrolinyl, phenazinyl, phenothiazinyl,phenoxathinyl, phenoxazinyl, phthalazinyl, piperazinyl, piperidinyl,piperidonyl, 4-piperidonyl, piperonyl, pteridinyl, purinyl, pyranyl,pyrazinyl, pyrazolidinyl, pyrazolinyl, pyrazolyl, pyridazinyl,pyridooxazole, pyridoimidazole, pyridothiazole, pyridinyl, pyridyl,pyrimidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolinyl, 2H-pyrrolyl, pyrrolyl,quinazolinyl, quinolinyl, 4H-quinolizinyl, quinoxalinyl, quinuclidinyl,tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, tetrahydroquinolinyl,tetrazolyl, 6H-1,2,5-thiadiazinyl, 1,2,3-thiadiazolyl,1,2,4-thiadiazolyl, 1,2,5-thiadiazolyl, 1,3,4-thiadiazolyl,thianthrenyl, thiazolyl, thienyl, thienothiazolyl, thienooxazolyl,thienoimidazolyl, thiophenyl and xanthenyl, and the like. In someembodiments, 1, 2, 3, or 4 hydrogen atoms of each ring can besubstituted by a substituent.

The term “heteroaryl” refers to an aromatic 5-8 membered monocyclic,8-12 membered fused bicyclic, or 11-14 membered fused tricyclic ringsystem having 1-3 heteroatoms if monocyclic, 1-6 heteroatoms ifbicyclic, or 1-9 heteroatoms if tricyclic, said heteroatoms selectedfrom O, N, or S (e.g., carbon atoms and 1-3, 1-6, or 1-9 heteroatoms ofN, O, or S if monocyclic, bicyclic, or tricyclic, respectively. C_(x)heteroaryl and C_(x)-C_(y)heteroaryl are typically used where X and Yindicate the number of carbon atoms in the ring system. Heteroarylsinclude, but are not limited to, those derived from benzo[b]furan,benzo[b] thiophene, benzimidazole, imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine, quinazoline,thieno[2,3-c]pyridine, thieno[3,2-b]pyridine, thieno[2,3-b]pyridine,indolizine, imidazo[1,2a]pyridine, quinoline, isoquinoline, phthalazine,quinoxaline, naphthyridine, quinolizine, indole, isoindole, indazole,indoline, benzoxazole, benzopyrazole, benzothiazole,imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine, pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine,imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidine, imidazo[1,2-c]pyrimidine,imidazo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, imidazo[1,5-c]pyrimidine,pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine, pyrrolo[2,3cjpyridine, pyrrolo[3,2-c]pyridine,pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyridine, pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine,pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidine, pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyrazine,pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine, pyrrolo[1,2-b]pyridazine,pyrrolo[1,2-c]pyrimidine, pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrimidine,pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine, triazo[1,5-a]pyridine, pteridine, purine,carbazole, acridine, phenazine, phenothiazene, phenoxazine,1,2-dihydropyrrolo[3,2,1-hi]indole, indolizine, pyrido[1,2-a]indole,2(1H)-pyridinone, benzimidazolyl, benzofuranyl, benzothiofuranyl,benzothiophenyl, benzoxazolyl, benzoxazolinyl, benzthiazolyl,benztriazolyl, benztetrazolyl, benzisoxazolyl, benzisothiazolyl,benzimidazolinyl, carbazolyl, 4aH-carbazolyl, carbolinyl, chromanyl,chromenyl, cinnolinyl, decahydroquinolinyl, 2H,6H-1,5,2-dithiazinyl,dihydrofuro[2,3-b]tetrahydrofuran, furanyl, furazanyl, imidazolidinyl,imidazolinyl, imidazolyl, 1H-indazolyl, indolenyl, indolinyl,indolizinyl, indolyl, 3H-indolyl, isatinoyl, isobenzofuranyl,isochromanyl, isoindazolyl, isoindolinyl, isoindolyl, isoquinolinyl,isothiazolyl, isoxazolyl, methylenedioxyphenyl, morpholinyl,naphthyridinyl, octahydroisoquinolinyl, oxadiazolyl, 1,2,3-oxadiazolyl,1,2,4-oxadiazolyl, 1,2,5-oxadiazolyl, 1,3,4-oxadiazolyl, oxazolidinyl,oxazolyl, oxepanyl, oxetanyl, oxindolyl, pyrimidinyl, phenanthridinyl,phenanthrolinyl, phenazinyl, phenothiazinyl, phenoxathinyl,phenoxazinyl, phthalazinyl, piperazinyl, piperidinyl, piperidonyl,4-piperidonyl, piperonyl, pteridinyl, purinyl, pyranyl, pyrazinyl,pyrazolidinyl, pyrazolinyl, pyrazolyl, pyridazinyl, pyridooxazole,pyridoimidazole, pyridothiazole, pyridinyl, pyridyl, pyrimidinyl,pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolinyl, 2H-pyrrolyl, pyrrolyl, quinazolinyl,quinolinyl, 4H-quinolizinyl, quinoxalinyl, quinuclidinyl,tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, tetrahydropyranyl,tetrahydroquinolinyl, tetrazolyl, 6H-1,2,5-thiadiazinyl,1,2,3-thiadiazolyl, 1,2,4-thiadiazolyl, 1,2,5-thiadiazolyl,1,3,4-thiadiazolyl, thianthrenyl, thiazolyl, thienyl, thienothiazolyl,thienooxazolyl, thienoimidazolyl, thiophenyl and xanthenyl. Someexemplary heteroaryl groups include, but are not limited to, pyridyl,furyl or furanyl, imidazolyl, benzimidazolyl, pyrimidinyl, thiophenyl orthienyl, pyridazinyl, pyrazinyl, quinolinyl, indolyl, thiazolyl,naphthyridinyl, 2-amino-4-oxo-3,4-dihydropteridin-6-yl,tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, and the like. In some embodiments, 1, 2, 3, or4 hydrogen atoms of each ring may be substituted by a substituent.

The term “cyclyl” or “cycloalkyl” refers to saturated and partiallyunsaturated cyclic hydrocarbon groups having 3 to 12 carbons, forexample, 3 to 8 carbons, and, for example, 3 to 6 carbons. C_(x)cyclyland C_(x)-C_(y)cylcyl are typically used where X and Y indicate thenumber of carbon atoms in the ring system. The cycloalkyl groupadditionally can be optionally substituted, e.g., with 1, 2, 3, or 4substituents. C₃-C₁₀cyclyl includes cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl,cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cyclohexenyl, 2,5-cyclohexadienyl, cycloheptyl,cyclooctyl, bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl, adamantan-1-yl, decahydronaphthyl,oxocyclohexyl, dioxocyclohexyl, thiocyclohexyl,2-oxobicyclo[2.2.1]hept-1-yl, and the like.

Aryl and heteroaryls can be optionally substituted with one or moresubstituents at one or more positions, for example, halogen, alkyl,aralkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, hydroxyl, amino, nitro,sulfhydryl, imino, amido, phosphate, phosphonate, phosphinate, carbonyl,carboxyl, silyl, ether, alkylthio, sulfonyl, ketone, aldehyde, ester, aheterocyclyl, an aromatic or heteroaromatic moiety, —CF3, —CN, or thelike.

The term “heterocyclyl” refers to a nonaromatic 5-8 membered monocyclic,8-12 membered bicyclic, or 11-14 membered tricyclic ring system having1-3 heteroatoms if monocyclic, 1-6 heteroatoms if bicyclic, or 1-9heteroatoms if tricyclic, said heteroatoms selected from O, N, or S(e.g., carbon atoms and 1-3, 1-6, or 1-9 heteroatoms of N, O, or S ifmonocyclic, bicyclic, or tricyclic, respectively). C_(x)heterocyclyl andC_(x)-C_(y)heterocyclyl are typically used where X and Y indicate thenumber of carbon atoms in the ring system. In some embodiments, 1, 2 or3 hydrogen atoms of each ring can be substituted by a substituent.Exemplary heterocyclyl groups include, but are not limited topiperazinyl, pyrrolidinyl, dioxanyl, morpholinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl,piperidyl, 4-morpholyl, 4-piperazinyl, pyrrolidinyl,perhydropyrrolizinyl, 1,4-diazaperhydroepinyl, 1,3-dioxanyl,1,4-dioxanyl and the like.

The terms “bicyclic” and “tricyclic” refers to fused, bridged, or joinedby a single bond polycyclic ring assemblies.

The term “cyclylalkylene” means a divalent aryl, heteroaryl, cyclyl, orheterocyclyl.

As used herein, the term “fused ring” refers to a ring that is bonded toanother ring to form a compound having a bicyclic structure when thering atoms that are common to both rings are directly bound to eachother. Non-exclusive examples of common fused rings include decalin,naphthalene, anthracene, phenanthrene, indole, furan, benzofuran,quinoline, and the like. Compounds having fused ring systems can besaturated, partially saturated, cyclyl, heterocyclyl, aromatics,heteroaromatics, and the like.

As used herein, the term “carbonyl” means the radical —C(O)—. It isnoted that the carbonyl radical can be further substituted with avariety of substituents to form different carbonyl groups includingacids, acid halides, amides, esters, ketones, and the like.

The term “carboxy” means the radical —C(O)O—. It is noted that compoundsdescribed herein containing carboxy moieties can include protectedderivatives thereof, i.e., where the oxygen is substituted with aprotecting group. Suitable protecting groups for carboxy moietiesinclude benzyl, tert-butyl, and the like. The term “carboxyl” means—COOH

The term “cyano” means the radical —CN.

The term, “heteroatom” refers to an atom that is not a carbon atom.Particular examples of heteroatoms include, but are not limited tonitrogen, oxygen, sulfur and halogens. A “heteroatom moiety” includes amoiety where the atom by which the moiety is attached is not a carbon.Examples of heteroatom moieties include —N═, —NR^(N)—, —N⁺(O⁻)═, —O—,—S— or —S(O)₂—, —OS(O)₂—, and —SS—, wherein R^(N) is H or a furthersubstituent.

The term “hydroxy” means the radical —OH.

The term “imine derivative” means a derivative comprising the moiety—C(NR)—, wherein R comprises a hydrogen or carbon atom alpha to thenitrogen.

The term “nitro” means the radical —NO₂.

An “oxaaliphatic,” “oxaalicyclic”, or “oxaaromatic” mean an aliphatic,alicyclic, or aromatic, as defined herein, except where one or moreoxygen atoms (—O—) are positioned between carbon atoms of the aliphatic,alicyclic, or aromatic respectively.

An “oxoaliphatic,” “oxoalicyclic”, or “oxoaromatic” means an aliphatic,alicyclic, or aromatic, as defined herein, substituted with a carbonylgroup. The carbonyl group can be an aldehyde, ketone, ester, amide,acid, or acid halide.

As used herein, the term, “aromatic” means a moiety wherein theconstituent atoms make up an unsaturated ring system, all atoms in thering system are sp² hybridized and the total number of pi electrons isequal to 4n+2. An aromatic ring can be such that the ring atoms are onlycarbon atoms (e.g., aryl) or can include carbon and non-carbon atoms(e.g., heteroaryl).

As used herein, the term “substituted” refers to independent replacementof one or more (typically 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5) of the hydrogen atoms on thesubstituted moiety with substituents independently selected from thegroup of substituents listed below in the definition for “substituents”or otherwise specified. In general, a non-hydrogen substituent can beany substituent that can be bound to an atom of the given moiety that isspecified to be substituted. Examples of substituents include, but arenot limited to, acyl, acylamino, acyloxy, aldehyde, alicyclic,aliphatic, alkanesulfonamido, alkanesulfonyl, alkaryl, alkenyl, alkoxy,alkoxycarbonyl, alkyl, alkylamino, alkylcarbanoyl, alkylene, alkylidene,alkylthios, alkynyl, amide, amido, amino, amino, aminoalkyl, aralkyl,aralkylsulfonamido, arenesulfonamido, arenesulfonyl, aromatic, aryl,arylamino, arylcarbanoyl, aryloxy, azido, carbamoyl, carbonyl, carbonyls(including ketones, carboxy, carboxylates, CF₃, cyano (CN), cycloalkyl,cycloalkylene, ester, ether, haloalkyl, halogen, halogen, heteroaryl,heterocyclyl, hydroxy, hydroxy, hydroxyalkyl, imino, iminoketone,ketone, mercapto, nitro, oxaalkyl, oxo, oxoalkyl, phosphoryl (includingphosphonate and phosphinate), silyl groups, sulfonamido, sulfonyl(including sulfate, sulfamoyl and sulfonate), thiols, and ureidomoieties, each of which may optionally also be substituted orunsubstituted. In some cases, two substituents, together with thecarbon(s) to which they are attached to, can form a ring.

The terms “alkoxyl” or “alkoxy” as used herein refers to an alkyl,alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cyclyl or heterocyclyl group, asdefined above, having an oxygen radical attached thereto. Representativealkoxyl groups include methoxy, ethoxy, propyloxy, tert-butoxy,n-propyloxy, iso-propyloxy, n-butyloxy, iso-butyloxy, and the like. An“ether” is two hydrocarbons covalently linked by an oxygen. Accordingly,the substituent of an alkyl that renders that alkyl an ether is orresembles an alkoxyl, such as can be represented by one of —O-alkyl,—O-alkenyl, —O-alkynyl, —O-cyclyl, —O-heterocyclyl, —O-aryl and—O-heteroaryl. The terms “alkoxyl” or “alkoxy” includes aroxy andaryloxy. Aroxy can be represented by —O-aryl or O-heteroaryl, whereinaryl and heteroaryl are as defined below. The alkoxy and aroxy groupscan be substituted as described above for alkyl.

The term “aralkyl”, as used herein, refers to an alkyl group substitutedwith an aryl group (e.g., an aromatic or heteroaromatic group).

The term “alkylthio” refers to an alkyl group, as defined above, havinga sulfur radical attached thereto. In preferred embodiments, the“alkylthio” moiety is represented by one of —S-alkyl, —S-alkenyl, and—S-alkynyl. Representative alkylthio groups include methylthio,ethylthio, and the like. The term “alkylthio” also encompassescycloalkyl groups, alkene and cycloalkene groups, and alkyne groups. Theterm “alkylthio” further encompasses arylthio. “Arylthio” refers to arylor heteroaryl groups.

The term “sulfinyl” means the radical —SO—. It is noted that thesulfinyl radical can be further substituted with a variety ofsubstituents to form different sulfinyl groups including sulfinic acids,sulfinamides, sulfinyl esters, sulfoxides, and the like.

The term “sulfonyl” means the radical —SO₂—. It is noted that thesulfonyl radical can be further substituted with a variety ofsubstituents to form different sulfonyl groups including sulfonic acids(—SO₃H), sulfonamides, sulfonate esters, sulfones, and the like.

The term “thiocarbonyl” means the radical —C(S)—. It is noted that thethiocarbonyl radical can be further substituted with a variety ofsubstituents to form different thiocarbonyl groups including thioacids,thioamides, thioesters, thioketones, and the like.

As used herein, the term “amino” means —NH₂. The term “alkylamino” meansa nitrogen moiety having at least one straight or branched unsaturatedaliphatic, cyclyl, or heterocyclyl radicals attached to the nitrogen.For example, representative amino groups include —NH₂, —NHCH₃, —N(CH₃)₂,—NH(C₁-C₁₀alkyl), —N(C₁-C₁₀alkyl)₂, and the like. The term “alkylamino”includes “alkenylamino,” “alkynylamino,” “cyclylamino,” and“heterocyclylamino.” The term “arylamino” means a nitrogen moiety havingat least one aryl radical attached to the nitrogen. For example —NHaryl,and —N(aryl)₂. The term “heteroarylamino” means a nitrogen moiety havingat least one heteroaryl radical attached to the nitrogen. For example—NHheteroaryl, and —N(heteroaryl)₂. Optionally, two substituentstogether with the nitrogen can also form a ring. Unless indicatedotherwise, the compounds described herein containing amino moieties caninclude protected derivatives thereof. Suitable protecting groups foramino moieties include acetyl, tertbutoxycarbonyl, benzyloxycarbonyl,and the like.

The term “aminoalkyl” means an alkyl, alkenyl, and alkynyl as definedabove, except where one or more substituted or unsubstituted nitrogenatoms (—N—) are positioned between carbon atoms of the alkyl, alkenyl,or alkynyl. For example, an (C₂-C₆) aminoalkyl refers to a chaincomprising between 2 and 6 carbons and one or more nitrogen atomspositioned between the carbon atoms.

The term “alkoxyalkoxy” means —O-(alkyl)-O-(alkyl), such as—OCH₂CH₂OCH₃, and the like.

The term “alkoxycarbonyl” means —C(O)O-(alkyl), such as —C(═O)OCH₃,—C(═O)OCH₂CH₃, and the like.

The term “alkoxyalkyl” means -(alkyl)-O-(alkyl), such as —CH₂OCH₃,—CH₂OCH₂CH₃, and the like.

The term “aryloxy” means —O-(aryl), such as —O-phenyl, —O-pyridinyl, andthe like.

The term “arylalkyl” means -(alkyl)-(aryl) or -(alkyl)-(heteroaryl),such as benzyl (i.e., —CH₂phenyl), —CH₂-pyrindinyl, and the like.

The term “arylalkyloxy” means —O-(alkyl)-(aryl) or—O-(alkyl)-(heteroaryl), such as —O-benzyl, —O—CH₂-pyridinyl, and thelike.

The term “cycloalkyloxy” means —O-(cycloalkyl), such as —O-cyclohexyl,and the like.

The term “cycloalkylalkyloxy” means —O-(alkyl)-(cycloalkyl), such as—OCH₂cyclohexyl, and the like.

The term “aminoalkoxy” means —O-(alkyl)-NH₂, such as —OCH₂NH₂,—OCH₂CH₂NH₂, and the like.

The term “mono- or di-alkylamino” means —NH(alkyl) or —N(alkyl)(alkyl),respectively, such as —NHCH₃, —N(CH₃)₂, and the like.

The term “mono- or di-alkylaminoalkoxy” means —O-(alkyl)-NH(alkyl) or—O-(alkyl)-N(alkyl)(alkyl), respectively, such as —OCH₂NHCH₃,—OCH₂CH₂N(CH₃)₂, and the like.

The term “arylamino” means —NH(aryl), such as —NH-phenyl, —NH-pyridinyl,and the like.

The term “arylalkylamino” means —NH-(alkyl)-(aryl), such as —NH-benzyl,—NHCH₂-pyridinyl, and the like.

The term “alkylamino” means —NH(alkyl), such as —NHCH₃, —NHCH₂CH₃, andthe like.

The term “cycloalkylamino” means —NH-(cycloalkyl), such as—NH-cyclohexyl, and the like.

The term “cycloalkylalkylamino”-NH-(alkyl)-(cycloalkyl), such as —NHCH₂—cyclohexyl, and the like.

It is noted in regard to all of the definitions provided herein that thedefinitions should be interpreted as being open ended in the sense thatfurther substituents beyond those specified may be included. Hence, a C₁alkyl indicates that there is one carbon atom but does not indicate whatare the substituents on the carbon atom. Hence, a C₁ alkyl comprisesmethyl (i.e., —CH3) as well as —CR_(a)R_(b)R_(c) where R_(a), R_(b), andR_(c) can each independently be hydrogen or any other substituent wherethe atom alpha to the carbon is a heteroatom or cyano. Hence, CF₃, CH₂OHand CH₂CN are all C₁ alkyls.

The term “derivative” as used herein refers to a chemical substancerelated structurally to another, i.e., an “original” substance, whichcan be referred to as a “parent” compound. A “derivative” can be madefrom the structurally-related parent compound in one or more steps. Insome embodiments, the general physical and chemical properties of aderivative can be similar to or different from the parent compound.

Unless otherwise stated, structures depicted herein are meant to includecompounds which differ only in the presence of one or more isotopicallyenriched atoms. For example, compounds having the present structureexcept for the replacement of a hydrogen atom by a deuterium or tritium,or the replacement of a carbon atom by a ¹³C- or ¹⁴C-enriched carbon arewithin the scope of the invention.

A “pharmaceutically acceptable salt”, as used herein, is intended toencompass any compound described herein that is utilized in the form ofa salt thereof, especially where the salt confers on the compoundimproved pharmacokinetic properties as compared to the free form ofcompound or a different salt form of the compound. The pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt form can also initially confer desirable pharmacokineticproperties on the compound that it did not previously possess, and mayeven positively affect the pharmacodynamics of the compound with respectto its therapeutic activity in the body. An example of a pharmacokineticproperty that can be favorably affected is the manner in which thecompound is transported across cell membranes, which in turn maydirectly and positively affect the absorption, distribution,biotransformation and excretion of the compound. While the route ofadministration of the pharmaceutical composition is important, andvarious anatomical, physiological and pathological factors cancritically affect bioavailability, the solubility of the compound isusually dependent upon the character of the particular salt formthereof, which it utilized. One of skill in the art will appreciate thatan aqueous solution of the compound will provide the most rapidabsorption of the compound into the body of a subject being treated,while lipid solutions and suspensions, as well as solid dosage forms,will result in less rapid absorption of the compound.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts include those derived from inorganicacids such as sulfuric, sulfamic, phosphoric, nitric, and the like; andthe salts prepared from organic acids such as acetic, propionic,succinic, glycolic, stearic, lactic, malic, tartaric, citric, ascorbic,palmitic, maleic, hydroxymaleic, phenylacetic, glutamic, benzoic,salicyclic, sulfanilic, 2-acetoxybenzoic, fumaric, toluenesulfonic,methanesulfonic, ethane disulfonic, oxalic, isothionic, and the like.See, for example, Berge et al., “Pharmaceutical Salts”, J. Pharm. Sci.66:1-19 (1977), the content of which is herein incorporated by referencein its entirety. Exemplary salts also include the hydrobromide,hydrochloride, sulfate, bisulfate, phosphate, nitrate, acetate,succinate, valerate, oleate, palmitate, stearate, laurate, benzoate,lactate, phosphate, tosylate, citrate, maleate, fumarate, succinate,tartrate, napthylate, mesylate, glucoheptonate, lactobionate, andlaurylsulphonate salts and the like. Suitable acids which are capable offorming salts with the compounds of the disclosure include inorganicacids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, perchloric acid,nitric acid, thiocyanic acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, and thelike; and organic acids such as 1,2-ethanedisulfonic acid,2-hydroxyethanesulfonic acid, 2-naphthalenesulfonic acid,3-phenylpropionic acid, 4-methylbicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-ene-1-carboxylicacid, 4,4′-mefhylenebis(3-hydroxy-2-ene-1-carboxylic acid), acetic acid,anthranilic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, benzoic acid, camphorsulfonicacid, cinnamic acid, citric acid, cyclopentanepropionic acid,ethanesulfonic acid, formic acid, fumaric acid, glucoheptonic acid,gluconic acid, glutamic acid, glycolic acid, heptanoic acid,hydroxynaphthoic acid, lactic acid, lauryl sulfuric acid, maleic acid,malic acid, malonic acid, mandelic acid, methanesulfonic acid, muconicacid, naphthalene sulfonic acid, o-(4-hydroxybenzoyl)benzoic acid,oxalic acid, p-chlorobenzenesulfonic acid, propionic acid,p-toluenesulfonic acid, pyruvic acid, salicylic acid, stearic acid,succinic acid, sulfanilic acid, tartaric acid, tertiary butylaceticacid, trifluoroacetic acid, trimethylacetic acid, and the like. Suitablebases capable of forming salts with the compounds of the disclosureinclude inorganic bases such as sodium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide,sodium carbonate, calcium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and the like;and organic bases such as mono-, di- and tri-alkyl and aryl amines(e.g., triethylamine, diisopropyl amine, methyl amine, dimethyl amine,N-methylglucamine, pyridine, picoline, dicyclohexylamine,N,N′-dibezylethylenediamine, and the like), and optionally substitutedethanol-amines (e.g., ethanolamine, diethanolamine, trierhanolamine andthe like).

In some embodiments, the compounds described herein can be in the formof a prodrug. The term “prodrug” as used herein refers to compounds thatcan be converted via some chemical or physiological process (e.g.,enzymatic processes and metabolic hydrolysis) to compound describedherein. Thus, the term “prodrug” also refers to a precursor of abiologically active compound that is pharmaceutically acceptable. Aprodrug can be inactive when administered to a subject, i.e. an ester,but is converted in vivo to an active compound, for example, byhydrolysis to the free carboxylic acid or free hydroxyl. The prodrugcompound often offers advantages of solubility, tissue compatibility ordelayed release in an organism. The term “prodrug” is also meant toinclude any covalently bonded carriers, which release the activecompound in vivo when such prodrug is administered to a subject.Prodrugs of an active compound, as described herein, may be prepared bymodifying functional groups present in the active compound in such a waythat the modifications are cleaved, either in routine manipulation or invivo, to the parent active compound. Prodrugs include compounds whereina hydroxy, amino or mercapto group is bonded to any group that, when theprodrug of the active compound is administered to a subject, cleaves toform a free hydroxy, free amino or free mercapto group, respectively.For example, a compound comprising a hydroxy group can be administeredas an ester that is converted by hydrolysis in vivo to the hydroxycompound. Suitable esters that can be converted in vivo into hydroxycompounds include acetates, citrates, lactates, tartrates, malonates,oxalates, salicylates, propionates, succinates, fumarates, formates,benzoates, maleates, methylene-bis-b-hydroxynaphthoates, gentisates,isethionates, di-p-toluoyltartrates, methanesulfonates,ethanesulfonates, benzenesulfonates, p-toluenesulfonates,cyclohexylsulfamates, quinates, esters of amino acids, and the like.Similarly, a compound comprising an amine group can be administered asan amide, e.g., acetamide, formamide and benzamide that is converted byhydrolysis in vivo to the amine compound. See Harper, “DrugLatentiation” in Jucker, ed. Progress in Drug Research 4:221-294 (1962);Morozowich et al, “Application of Physical Organic Principles to ProdrugDesign” in E. B. Roche ed. Design of Biopharmaceutical Propertiesthrough Prodrugs and Analogs, APHA Acad. Pharm. Sci. 40 (1977);Bioreversible Carriers in Drug in Drug Design, Theory and Application,E. B. Roche, ed., APHA Acad. Pharm. Sci. (1987); Design of Prodrugs, H.Bundgaard, Elsevier (1985); Wang et al. “Prodrug approaches to theimproved delivery of peptide drug” in Curr. Pharm. Design. 5(4):265-287(1999); Pauletti et al. (1997) Improvement in peptide bioavailability:Peptidomimetics and Prodrug Strategies, Adv. Drug. Delivery Rev.27:235-256; Mizen et al. (1998) “The Use of Esters as Prodrugs for OralDelivery of (3-Lactam antibiotics,” Pharm. Biotech. 11:345-365;Gaignault et al. (1996) “Designing Prodrugs and Bioprecursors I. CarrierProdrugs,” Pract. Med. Chem. 671-696; Asgharnejad, “Improving Oral DrugTransport”, in Transport Processes in Pharmaceutical Systems, G. L.Amidon, P. I. Lee and E. M. Topp, Eds., Marcell Dekker, p. 185-218(2000); Balant et al., “Prodrugs for the improvement of drug absorptionvia different routes of administration”, Eur. J. Drug Metab.Pharmacokinet., 15(2): 143-53 (1990); Balimane and Sinko, “Involvementof multiple transporters in the oral absorption of nucleosideanalogues”, Adv. Drug Delivery Rev., 39(1-3): 183-209 (1999); Browne,“Fosphenytoin (Cerebyx)”, Clin. Neuropharmacol. 20(1): 1-12 (1997);Bundgaard, “Bioreversible derivatization of drugs-principle andapplicability to improve the therapeutic effects of drugs”, Arch. Pharm.Chemi 86(1): 1-39 (1979); Bundgaard H. “Improved drug delivery by theprodrug approach”, Controlled Drug Delivery 17: 179-96 (1987); BundgaardH. “Prodrugs as a means to improve the delivery of peptide drugs”, Arfv.Drug Delivery Rev. 8(1): 1-38 (1992); Fleisher et al. “Improved oraldrug delivery: solubility limitations overcome by the use of prodrugs”,Arfv. Drug Delivery Rev. 19(2): 115-130 (1996); Fleisher et al. “Designof prodrugs for improved gastrointestinal absorption by intestinalenzyme targeting”, Methods Enzymol. 112 (Drug Enzyme Targeting, Pt. A):360-81, (1985); Farquhar D, et al., “Biologically ReversiblePhosphate-Protective Groups”, Pharm. Sci., 72(3): 324-325 (1983);Freeman S, et al., “Bioreversible Protection for the Phospho Group:Chemical Stability and Bioactivation of Di(4-acetoxy-benzyl)Methylphosphonate with Carboxyesterase,” Chem. Soc., Chem. Commun.,875-877 (1991); Friis and Bundgaard, “Prodrugs of phosphates andphosphonates: Novel lipophilic alphaacyloxyalkyl ester derivatives ofphosphate- or phosphonate containing drugs masking the negative chargesof these groups”, Eur. J. Pharm. Sci. 4: 49-59 (1996); Gangwar et al.,“Pro-drug, molecular structure and percutaneous delivery”, Des.Biopharm. Prop. Prodrugs Analogs, [Symp.] Meeting Date 1976, 409-21.(1977); Nathwani and Wood, “Penicillins: a current review of theirclinical pharmacology and therapeutic use”, Drugs 45(6): 866-94 (1993);Sinhababu and Thakker, “Prodrugs of anticancer agents”, Adv. DrugDelivery Rev. 19(2): 241-273 (1996); Stella et al., “Prodrugs. Do theyhave advantages in clinical practice?”, Drugs 29(5): 455-73 (1985); Tanet al. “Development and optimization of anti-HIV nucleoside analogs andprodrugs: A review of their cellular pharmacology, structure-activityrelationships and pharmacokinetics”, Adv. Drug Delivery Rev. 39(1-3):117-151 (1999); Taylor, “Improved passive oral drug delivery viaprodrugs”, Adv. Drug Delivery Rev., 19(2): 131-148 (1996); Valentino andBorchardt, “Prodrug strategies to enhance the intestinal absorption ofpeptides”, Drug Discovery Today 2(4): 148-155 (1997); Wiebe and Knaus,“Concepts for the design of anti-HIV nucleoside prodrugs for treatingcephalic HIV infection”, Adv. Drug Delivery Rev.: 39(1-3):63-80 (1999);Waller et al., “Prodrugs”, Br. J. Clin. Pharmac. 28: 497-507 (1989),content of all of which are herein incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

The term “protected derivatives” means derivatives of compoundsdescribed herein in which a reactive site or sites are blocked withprotecting groups. Protected derivatives are useful in the preparationof compounds or in themselves can be active. A comprehensive list ofsuitable protecting groups can be found in T. W. Greene, ProtectingGroups in Organic Synthesis, 3rd edition, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 1999.

“Isomers” mean any compound having identical molecular formulae butdiffering in the nature or sequence of bonding of their atoms or in thearrangement of their atoms in space. Isomers that differ in thearrangement of their atoms in space are termed “stereoisomers”.Stereoisomers that are not mirror images of one another are termed“diastereomers” and stereoisomers that are nonsuperimposable mirrorimages are termed “enantiomers” or sometimes “optical isomers”. A carbonatom bonded to four nonidentical substituents is termed a “chiralcenter”. A compound with one chiral center has two enantiomeric forms ofopposite chirality. A mixture of the two enantiomeric forms is termed a“racemic mixture”. A compound that has more than one chiral center has2^(n-1) enantiomeric pairs, where n is the number of chiral centers.Compounds with more than one chiral center may exist as ether anindividual diastereomers or as a mixture of diastereomers, termed a“diastereomeric mixture”. When one chiral center is present astereoisomer may be characterized by the absolute configuration of thatchiral center. Absolute configuration refers to the arrangement in spaceof the substituents attached to the chiral center. Enantiomers arecharacterized by the absolute configuration of their chiral centers anddescribed by the R- and S-sequencing rules of Cahn, Ingold and Prelog.Conventions for stereochemical nomenclature, methods for thedetermination of stereochemistry and the separation of stereoisomers arewell known in the art (e.g., see “Advanced Organic Chemistry”, 4thedition, March, Jerry, John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1992).

The term “enantiomer” is used to describe one of a pair of molecularisomers which are mirror images of each other and non-superimposable.Other terms used to designate or refer to enantiomers include“stereoisomers” (because of the different arrangement or stereochemistryaround the chiral center; although all enantiomers are stereoisomers,not all stereoisomers are enantiomers) or “optical isomers” (because ofthe optical activity of pure enantiomers, which is the ability ofdifferent pure enantiomers to rotate planepolarized light in differentdirections). Enantiomers generally have identical physical properties,such as melting points and boiling points, and also have identicalspectroscopic properties. Enantiomers can differ from each other withrespect to their interaction with plane-polarized light and with respectto biological activity.

The designations “R” and “S” are used to denote the absoluteconfiguration of the molecule about its chiral center(s). Thedesignations may appear as a prefix or as a suffix; they may or may notbe separated from the isomer by a hyphen; they may or may not behyphenated; and they may or may not be surrounded by parentheses.

The designations or prefixes “(+)” and “(−)” are employed to designatethe sign of rotation of plane-polarized light by the compound, with (−)meaning that the compound is levorotatory (rotates to the left). Acompound prefixed with (+) is dextrorotatory (rotates to the right).

The term “racemic mixture,” “racemic compound” or “racemate” refers to amixture of the two enantiomers of one compound. An ideal racemic mixtureis one wherein there is a 50:50 mixture of both enantiomers of acompound such that the optical rotation of the (+) enantiomer cancelsout the optical rotation of the (−) enantiomer.

The term “resolving” or “resolution” when used in reference to a racemicmixture refers to the separation of a racemate into its twoenantiomorphic forms (i.e., (+) and (−); 65 (R) and (S) forms). Theterms can also refer to enantioselective conversion of one isomer of aracemate to a product.

The term “enantiomeric excess” or “ee” refers to a reaction productwherein one enantiomer is produced in excess of the other, and isdefined for a mixture of (+)- and (−)-enantiomers, with compositiongiven as the mole or weight or volume fraction F(+) and F(−) (where thesum of F(+) and F(−)=1). The enantiomeric excess is defined as*F(+)−F(−)* and the percent enantiomeric excess by 100x*F(+)−F(−)*. The“purity” of an enantiomer is described by its ee or percent ee value (%ee).

Whether expressed as a “purified enantiomer” or a “pure enantiomer” or a“resolved enantiomer” or “a compound in enantiomeric excess”, the termsare meant to indicate that the amount of one enantiomer exceeds theamount of the other. Thus, when referring to an enantiomer preparation,both (or either) of the percent of the major enantiomer (e.g. by mole orby weight or by volume) and (or) the percent enantiomeric excess of themajor enantiomer may be used to determine whether the preparationrepresents a purified enantiomer preparation.

The term “enantiomeric purity” or “enantiomer purity” of an isomerrefers to a qualitative or quantitative measure of the purifiedenantiomer; typically, the measurement is expressed on the basis of ccor enantiomeric excess.

The terms “substantially purified enantiomer,” “substantially resolvedenantiomer” “substantially purified enantiomer preparation” are meant toindicate a preparation (e.g. derived from non-optically active startingmaterial, substrate, or intermediate) wherein one enantiomer has beenenriched over the other, and more preferably, wherein the otherenantiomer represents less than 20%, more preferably less than 10%, andmore preferably less than 5%, and still more preferably, less than 2% ofthe enantiomer or enantiomer preparation.

The terms “purified enantiomer,” “resolved enantiomer” and “purifiedenantiomer preparation” are meant to indicate a preparation (e.g.derived from non-optically active starting material, substrates orintermediates) wherein one enantiomer (for example, the R-enantiomer) isenriched over the other, and more preferably, wherein the otherenantiomer (for example the S-enantiomer) represents less than 30%,preferably less than 20%, more preferably less than 10% (e.g. in thisparticular instance, the R-enantiomer is substantially free of theS-enantiomer), and more preferably less than 5% and still morepreferably, less than 2% of the preparation. A purified enantiomer maybe synthesized substantially free of the other enantiomer, or a purifiedenantiomer may be synthesized in a stereo-preferred procedure, followedby separation steps, or a purified enantiomer may be derived from aracemic mixture.

The term “enantioselectivity,” also called the enantiomeric ratioindicated by the symbol “E,” refers to the selective capacity of anenzyme to generate from a racemic substrate one enantiomer relative tothe other in a product racemic mixture; in other words, it is a measureof the ability of the enzyme to distinguish between enantiomers. Anonselective reaction has an E of 1, while resolutions with E's above 20are generally considered useful for synthesis or resolution. Theenantioselectivity resides in a difference in conversion rates betweenthe enantiomers in question. Reaction products are obtained that areenriched in one of the enantiomers; conversely, remaining substrates areenriched in the other enantiomer. For practical purposes it is generallydesirable for one of the enantiomers to be obtained in large excess.This is achieved by terminating the conversion process at a certaindegree of conversion.

As used herein, the term “linker” means an organic moiety that connectstwo parts of a compound. Linkers typically comprise a direct bond or anatom such as oxygen or sulfur, a unit such as NR⁴, C(O), C(O)NH, C(O)O,NHC(O)O, OC(O)O, SO, SO₂, SO₂NH or a chain of atoms, such as substitutedor unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl,substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl, arylalkyl, arylalkenyl,arylalkynyl, heteroarylalkyl, heteroarylalkenyl, heteroarylalkynyl,heterocyclylalkyl, heterocyclylalkenyl, heterocyclylalkynyl, aryl,heteroaryl, heterocyclyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, alkylarylalkyl,alkylarylalkenyl, alkylarylalkynyl, alkenylarylalkyl,alkenylarylalkenyl, alkenylarylalkynyl, alkynylarylalkyl,alkynylarylalkenyl, alkynylarylalkynyl, alkylheteroarylalkyl,alkylheteroarylalkenyl, alkylheteroarylalkynyl, alkenylheteroarylalkyl,alkenylheteroarylalkenyl, alkenylheteroarylalkynyl,alkynylheteroarylalkyl, alkynylheteroarylalkenyl,alkynylheteroarylalkynyl, alkylheterocyclylalkyl,alkylheterocyclylalkenyl, alkylhererocyclylalkynyl,alkenylheterocyclylalkyl, alkenylheterocyclylalkenyl,alkenylheterocyclylalkynyl, alkynylheterocyclylalkyl,alkynylheterocyclylalkenyl, alkynylheterocyclylalkynyl, alkylaryl,alkenylaryl, alkynylaryl, alkylheteroaryl, alkenylheteroaryl,alkynylhereroaryl, where one or more methylenes can be interrupted orterminated by O, S, S(O), SO₂, NR⁴, C(O), C(O)NH, C(O)O, NHC(O)O,OC(O)O, SO₂NH, cleavable linking group, substituted or unsubstitutedaryl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, substituted orunsubstituted heterocyclic; where R⁴ is hydrogen, acyl, aliphatic orsubstituted aliphatic.

In some embodiments, the linker is a branched linker. The branchpoint ofthe branched linker may be at least trivalent, but can be a tetravalent,pentavalent or hexavalent atom, or a group presenting such multiplevalencies. In some embodiments, the branchpoint is —N, —N(Q)-C, —O—C,—S—C, —SS—C, —C(O)N(Q)-C, —OC(O)N(Q)-C, —N(Q)C(O)—C, or —N(Q)C(O)O—C;wherein Q is independently for each occurrence H or optionallysubstituted alkyl. In some embodiments, the branchpoint is glycerol orderivative thereof.

A cleavable linking group is one which is sufficiently stable outsidethe cell, but which upon entry into a target cell is cleaved to releasethe two parts the linker is holding together. In a preferred embodiment,the cleavable linking group is cleaved at least 10 times or more,preferably at least 100 times faster in the target cell or under a firstreference condition (which can, e.g., be selected to mimic or representintracellular conditions) than in the blood or serum of a subject, orunder a second reference condition (which can, e.g., be selected tomimic or represent conditions found in the blood or serum).

Cleavable linking groups are susceptible to cleavage agents, e.g., pH,redox potential or the presence of degradative molecules. Generally,cleavage agents are more prevalent or found at higher levels oractivities inside cells than in serum or blood. Examples of suchdegradative agents include: redox agents which are selected forparticular substrates or which have no substrate specificity, including,e.g., oxidative or reductive enzymes or reductive agents such asmercaptans, present in cells, that can degrade a redox cleavable linkinggroup by reduction; esterases; amidases; endosomes or agents that cancreate an acidic environment, e.g., those that result in a pH of five orlower; enzymes that can hydrolyze or degrade an acid cleavable linkinggroup by acting as a general acid, peptidases (which can be substratespecific) and proteases, and phosphatases.

A linker can include a cleavable linking group that is cleavable by aparticular enzyme. A linking group cleavable by an enzyme can be anenzyme substrate that undergoes cleavage by the enzyme. Such a substrateis also referred to as cleavable enzyme substrate herein. The type ofcleavable linking group incorporated into a linker can depend on thecell to be targeted. Linkers that contain peptide bonds can be used whentargeting cell types rich in peptidases.

In some embodiments, the linker can include a cleavable linking groupthat is cleavable by Cathepsin G. An exemplary molecule that is cleavedby Cathepsin G is shown in FIG. 11.

In some embodiments, cleavable linking group is cleaved at least 1.25,1.5, 1.75, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 25, 50, or 100 times faster in the cell (orunder in vitro conditions selected to mimic intracellular conditions) ascompared to blood or serum (or under in vitro conditions selected tomimic extracellular conditions). In some embodiments, the cleavablelinking group is cleaved by less than 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%,20%, 10%, 5%, or 1% in the blood (or in vitro conditions selected tomimic extracellular conditions) as compared to in the cell (or under invitro conditions selected to mimic intracellular conditions).

Exemplary cleavable linking groups include, but are not limited to,redox cleavable linking groups (e.g., —S—S— and —C(R)₂—S—S—, wherein Ris H or C₁-C₆ alkyl and at least one R is C₁-C₆ alkyl such as CH₃ orCH₂CH₃); phosphate-based cleavable linking groups (e.g., —O—P(O)(OR)—O—,—O—P(S)(OR)—O—, —O—P(S)(SR)—O—, —S—P(O)(OR)—O—, —O—P(O)(OR)—S—,—S—P(O)(OR)—S—, —O—P(S)(ORk)-S—, —S—P(S)(OR)—O—, —O—P(O)(R)—O—,—O—P(S)(R)—O—, —S—P(O)(R)—O—, —S—P(S)(R)—O—, —S—P(O)(R)—S—,—O—P(S)(R)—S—, —O—P(O)(OH)—O—, —O—P(S)(OH)—O—, —O—P(S)(SH)—O—,—S—P(O)(OH)—O—, —O—P(O)(OH)—S—, —S—P(O)(OH)—S—, —O—P(S)(OH)—S—,—S—P(S)(OH)—O—, —O—P(O)(H)—O—, —O—P(S)(H)—O—, —S—P(O)(H)—O—,—S—P(S)(H)—O—, —S—P(O)(H)—S—, and —O—P(S)(H)—S—, wherein R is optionallysubstituted linear or branched C₁-C₁₀ alkyl); acid cleavable linkinggroups (e.g., hydrazones, esters, and esters of amino acids, —C═NN— and—OC(O)—); ester-based cleavable linking groups (e.g., —C(O)O—);peptide-based cleavable linking groups, (e.g., linking groups that arecleaved by enzymes such as peptidases and proteases in cells, e.g.,—NHCHR^(A)C(O)NHCHR^(B)C(O)—, where R^(A) and R^(B) are the R groups ofthe two adjacent amino acids). A peptide based cleavable linking groupcomprises two or more amino acids. In some embodiments, thepeptide-based cleavage linkage comprises the amino acid sequence that isthe substrate for a peptidase or a protease found in cells.

In some embodiments, an acid cleavable linking group is cleaveable in anacidic environment with a pH of about 6.5 or lower (e.g., about 6.5,6.0, 5.5, 5.0, or lower), or by agents such as enzymes that can act as ageneral acid.

Linkers according to the present invention also include prodrug moietiesand nanoparticles. For a non-limiting example, a prodrug moiety can be alinker that is susceptible to “cleavage” to produce active form of thedrug. More information may be found in Bundgard (1985, Design ofProdrugs, pp. 7-9, 21-24, Elsevier, Amsterdam) and Silverman (1992, theOrganic Chemistry of Drug Design and Drug Action, pp. 352-401, AcademicPress, San Diego, Calif.), which are incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety as though fully set forth.

In some embodiments, the cleavable linking group is cleavable by anenzyme found in higher amounts in a cancer cell or tumor as compared tothe amount in non-cancer or normal cells. For example, the cleavablelinking group is cleavable by a peptidase or protease found in higheramount in pancreatic cancer cells. In one embodiment, the linkercomprises the compound shown in FIG. 11.

Unless otherwise defined herein, scientific and technical terms used inconnection with the present application shall have the meanings that arecommonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which thisdisclosure belongs. It should be understood that this invention is notlimited to the particular methodology, protocols, and reagents, etc.,described herein and as such can vary. The terminology used herein isfor the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is notintended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is definedsolely by the claims.

One problem addressed by the invention is related to spread of cancers(for example, pancreatic cancer) by metastasis and the development ofcancer resistance to therapy. One of the drawbacks of currently usedagents to slow down proliferation of cancer cells is that these agentsturn the cells into cancer stem-like cells that are more likely developresistance to targeted therapies, and likely to metastasize and spreadthe tumor. Currently, there are no solutions to prevent cancermetastasis. This invention provides compounds, compositions, methods andkits that inhibit cancer spread by metastasis and diminish thedevelopment stem-like properties.

Dual Inhibitor Compounds

In various embodiments, the present invention provides a compound thatinhibits both HDAC and GSK3β. Compounds that inhibit both HDAC and GSK3βare also referred to as dual inhibitors herein.

In embodiments of the various aspects disclosed herein, the dualinhibitor compound is of Formula (IV):

wherein:

-   L₁ and L₂ are independently a linker;-   R¹ is an aromatic moiety, alkyl, acyl, cyclyl or heterocyclyl, each    of which can be optionally substituted;-   R² is hydrogen, alkyl, cyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, or heteroaryl,    each of which can be optionally substituted;-   R³ is absent or an aromatic moiety, which can be optionally    substituted;-   p is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12; and-   wherein one. R¹-L₁- is linked to one nitrogen of the thiadiazolidine    ring and —(CH₂)_(p)—R³-L₂-C(O)NHOR² is linked to the other nitrogen    of the thiadiazolidine ring.

In some other embodiments of the various aspects disclosed herein, thecompound is of Formula (V):

wherein:

-   L₁ and L₂ are independently a linker;-   R¹ is an aromatic moiety, alkyl, acyl, cyclyl or heterocyclyl, each    of which can be optionally substituted;-   R² is hydrogen, lower alkyl, cyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, or    heteroaryl, each of which can be optionally substituted;-   R³ is absent or an aromatic moiety, which can be optionally    substituted; and-   p is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12.

In various compounds of Formula (IV) or (V), R¹ can be an optionallysubstituted aryl or lower alkyl. In some embodiments, R¹ in Formula (IV)or (V) can be selected independently from C₁-C₁₀alkyl, aryl orheteroaryl, each of which can be optionally substituted with 1, 2, 3 or4 substituents.

In various embodiments, R¹ can be a lower alkyl group. In someembodiments, R₁ can be a C₁-C₆alkyl. Exemplary alkyl groups for R¹include, but are not limited to methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl,sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, neopentyl, and hexyl. In oneembodiment, R¹ is methyl.

In various embodiments, R¹ is an optionally substituted aryl oroptionally substituted heteroaryl selected from the group consisting ofpyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, furanyl, thienyl, imidazolyl, thiazolyl,pyrazolyl, pyridazinyl, pyrazinyl, triazinyl, tetrazolyl, indolyl,benzyl, phenyl, naphthyl, anthracenyl, azulenyl, fluorenyl, indanyl,indenyl, naphthyl, phenyl, tetrahydronaphthyl, benzimidazolyl,benzofuranyl, benzothiofuranyl, benzothiophenyl, benzoxazolyl,benzoxazolinyl, benzthiazolyl, benztriazolyl, benztetrazolyl,benzisoxazolyl, benzisothiazolyl, benzimidazolinyl, carbazolyl, 4aHcarbazolyl, carbolinyl, chromanyl, chromenyl, cinnolinyl,decahydroquinolinyl, 2H,6H-1,5,2-dithiazinyl, dihydrofuro[2,3b]tetrahydrofuran, furanyl, furazanyl, imidazolidinyl, imidazolinyl,imidazolyl, 1H-indazolyl, indolenyl, indolinyl, indolizinyl, indolyl,3H-indolyl, isatinoyl, isobenzofuranyl, isochromanyl, isoindazolyl,isoindolinyl, isoindolyl, isoquinolinyl, isothiazolyl, isoxazolyl,methylenedioxyphenyl, morpholinyl, naphthyridinyl,octahydroisoquinolinyl, oxadiazolyl, 1,2,3-oxadiazolyl,1,2,4-oxadiazolyl, 1,2,5-oxadiazolyl, 1,3,4-oxadiazolyl, oxazolidinyl,oxazolyl, oxindolyl, pyrimidinyl, phenanthridinyl, phenanthrolinyl,phenazinyl, phenothiazinyl, phenoxathinyl, phenoxazinyl, phthalazinyl,piperazinyl, piperidinyl, piperidonyl, 4-piperidonyl, piperonyl,pteridinyl, purinyl, pyranyl, pyrazinyl, pyrazolidinyl, pyrazolinyl,pyrazolyl, pyridazinyl, pyridooxazole, pyridoimidazole, pyridothiazole,pyridinyl, pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolinyl, 2H-pyrrolyl,pyrrolyl, quinazolinyl, quinolinyl, 4H-quinolizinyl, quinoxalinyl,quinuclidinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl,tetrahydroquinolinyl, tetrazolyl, 6H-1,2,5-thiadiazinyl,1,2,3-thiadiazolyl, 1,2,4-thiadiazolyl, 1,2,5-thiadiazolyl,1,3,4-thiadiazolyl, thianthrenyl, thiazolyl, thienyl, thienothiazolyl,thienooxazolyl, thienoimidazolyl, thiophenyl and xanthenyl.

In some embodiments, R¹ is an optionally substituted phenyl. Generally,the optionally substituted phenyl can be substituted with 1, 2, 3, 4 or5 substituents selected independently from the group consisting ofalkyl, CF₃, NO₂, CO₂H, SO₂H, cyano, hydroxy, thiol, alkylthio, alkoxy,acyl, halogen, amino, alkyl amino, dialkylamino, and any combinationsthereof. Preferably, the optionally substituted phenyl is substitutedwith one substituent. In one embodiment, the optionally substitutedphenyl is 4-methoxyphenyl.

In various embodiments of Formula (IV) or (V), R² can be hydrogen, loweralkyl group, 3-8 membered cyclyl or heterocyclyl, or 5-8 membered arylor heteroaryl, each of which can be optionally substituted. In someembodiments, R² is hydrogen or lower alkyl. In various embodiments R²can be C1-C₆alkyl. Exemplary alkyl groups for R² include, but are notlimited to methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl,tert-butyl, pentyl, neopentyl, and hexyl. In some embodiments, R² is Hor methyl.

In various embodiments of Formula (IV) or (V), R³ can be absent or anoptionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted heteroaryl.Exemplary optionally substituted aryl and optionally substitutedheteroaryl for R₃ include, but are not limited to pyridinyl,pyrimidinyl, furanyl, thienyl, imidazolyl, thiazolyl, pyrazolyl,pyridazinyl, pyrazinyl, triazinyl, tetrazolyl, indolyl, benzyl, phenyl,naphthyl, anthracenyl, azulenyl, fluorenyl, indanyl, indenyl, naphthyl,phenyl, tetrahydronaphthyl, benzimidazolyl, benzofuranyl,benzothiofuranyl, benzothiophenyl, benzoxazolyl, benzoxazolinyl,benzthiazolyl, benztriazolyl, benztetrazolyl, benzisoxazolyl,benzisothiazolyl, benzimidazolinyl, carbazolyl, 4aH carbazolyl,carbolinyl, chromanyl, chromenyl, cinnolinyl, decahydroquinolinyl,2H,6H-1,5,2-dithiazinyl, dihydrofuro[2,3 b]tetrahydrofuran, furanyl,furazanyl, imidazolidinyl, imidazolinyl, imidazolyl, 1H-indazolyl,indolenyl, indolinyl, indolizinyl, indolyl, 3H-indolyl, isatinoyl,isobenzofuranyl, isochromanyl, isoindazolyl, isoindolinyl, isoindolyl,isoquinolinyl, isothiazolyl, isoxazolyl, methylenedioxyphenyl,morpholinyl, naphthyridinyl, octahydroisoquinolinyl, oxadiazolyl,1,2,3-oxadiazolyl, 1,2,4-oxadiazolyl, 1,2,5-oxadiazolyl,1,3,4-oxadiazolyl, oxazolidinyl, oxazolyl, oxindolyl, pyrimidinyl,phenanthridinyl, phenanthrolinyl, phenazinyl, phenothiazinyl,phenoxathinyl, phenoxazinyl, phthalazinyl, piperazinyl, piperidinyl,piperidonyl, 4-piperidonyl, piperonyl, pteridinyl, purinyl, pyranyl,pyrazinyl, pyrazolidinyl, pyrazolinyl, pyrazolyl, pyridazinyl,pyridooxazole, pyridoimidazole, pyridothiazole, pyridinyl, pyridyl,pyrimidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolinyl, 2H-pyrrolyl, pyrrolyl,quinazolinyl, quinolinyl, 4H-quinolizinyl, quinoxalinyl, quinuclidinyl,tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, tetrahydroquinolinyl,tetrazolyl, 6H-1,2,5-thiadiazinyl, 1,2,3-thiadiazolyl,1,2,4-thiadiazolyl, 1,2,5-thiadiazolyl, 1,3,4-thiadiazolyl,thianthrenyl, thiazolyl, thienyl, thienothiazolyl, thienooxazolyl,thienoimidazolyl, thiophenyl and xanthenyl.

In some embodiments, R³ is an optionally substituted phenyl. theoptionally substituted phenyl can be substituted with 1, 2, 3, or 4substituents selected independently from the group consisting of alkyl,CF₃, NO₂, CO₂H, SO₂H, cyano, hydroxy, thiol, alkylthio, alkoxy, acyl,halogen, amino, alkyl amino, dialkylamino, and any combinations thereof.Preferably, the optionally substituted phenyl is substituted with onesubstituent.

In some other embodiments, R³ is absent.

In various embodiments of Formula (IV) or (V), p is 0, 1, 2, 3, or 5.Preferably, p is 0 or 1. In some embodiments, p is 0. In some otherembodiments, p is 1.

In various embodiments, the linker is selected independently for eachoccurrence from the group consisting of a bond, —(CH₂)_(q)—,—(CH₂)_(q)CH═CH(CH₂)_(r)—, —NH—, —NHC(O)(CH₂)_(q)—, and any combinationsthereof, wherein q is independently for each occurrence 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 and wherein r is independently for eachoccurrence 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12.

In various embodiments, L₁ is selected from a bond, —(CH₂)_(q)—,—(CH₂)_(q)CH═CH(CH₂)_(r)—, —NH—, —NHC(O)(CH₂)_(q)—, and any combinationsthereof, wherein q is independently for each occurrence 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 and wherein r is independently for eachoccurrence 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12. In someembodiments, L₁ is a bond or —(CH₂)_(q)—. Preferred values of q for L₁include, but are not limited to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. In someembodiments, L₁ is —CH₂—. In some other embodiments, L₁ is a bond. Instill some other embodiments, L₁ is —NH—

In various embodiments, L₂ can be selected from a bond, —(CH₂)_(q)—,—(CH₂)_(q)CH═CH(CH₂)_(r)—, —NH—, —NHC(O)(CH₂)_(q)—, and any combinationsthereof, wherein q is independently for each occurrence 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 and wherein r is independently for eachoccurrence 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12. In someembodiments, L₂ is a bond; —NH—; —NHC(O)(CH₂)_(q)—, wherein q is 4, 6,or 8; or —CH₂CH═CH—. In some embodiments, L₂ is a bond. In some otherembodiments, L₂ is —NH—.

In the various compounds disclosed herein, L₁-R₁ is —CH₂-phenyl. In someother embodiments, L₁-R₁ is CH₃. In yet some other embodiments, L₁-R₁ is4-methoxybenzyl.

In some embodiments, p is 0 or 1, and R₃ is phenyl. In some otherembodiments, p is 0 and R³ is absent.

In some compounds p is 0; R³ is phenyl; and L₂ is a bond or—NHC(O)(CH₂)_(q)—, wherein q is 4, 6, or 8. In some other embodiments, pis 1; R³ is phenyl; and L₂ is —NHC(O)(CH₂)_(q)—, wherein q is 6. Instill some other embodiments, p is 0 and L₂ is —CH₂CH═CH—.

In some embodiments, a compound of Formula (IV) is a compound of Formula(VI):

wherein R¹, R², R³, L₁, L₂ and p are as defined for Formula (IV).

In some embodiments, a compound of Formula (IV) is a compound of Formula(VII):

wherein R¹, R², R³, L₁, L₂ and p are as defined for Formula (IV).

In various embodiments, a compound according to Formula (IV) is acompound of Formula (I):

wherein X is a linker (e.g., L₂) and Y is absent or an substituent foran aromatic group. In some embodiments, Y is selected from the groupconsisting of alkyl, CF₃, NO₂, CO₂H, SO₂H, cyano, hydroxy, thiol,alkylthio, alkoxy, acyl, halogen, amino, alkyl amino, dialkylamino, andany combinations thereof. While only one Y substituent is shown, morethan one Y, e.g. one, two, three, four or five Ys, can be present on thebenzene ring. In some embodiments, Y is absent.

In various embodiments, X can be selected from a bond, —(CH₂)_(q)—,—(CH₂)_(q)CH═CH(CH₂)_(r)—, —NH—, —NHC(O)(CH₂)_(q)—, and any combinationsthereof, wherein q is independently for each occurrence 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 and wherein r is independently for eachoccurrence 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12. In someembodiments, X is a bond; —NH—; —NHC(O)(CH₂)_(q)—, wherein q is 4, 6, or8; or —CH₂CH═CH—. In some embodiments, X is —NH—.

In some embodiments, a compound of Formula (I) is a compound of Formula(I-1):

wherein n is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12.

In various embodiments of Formula (I-1), n is 4, 6, or 8, i.e.,compounds of Formula (I-1a), (I-1b), or (I-1c):

The compound of Formula (I-1a) is also referred to as ALB-185602 herein.The compound of Formula (I-1b) is also referred to as ALB-185644 herein.The compound of Formula (I-1c) is also referred to as ALB-185643 herein.

In some embodiments, a compound of Formula (I) is a compound of Formula(I-2):

In some embodiments, a compound of Formula (I) is a compound of Formula(I-3):

In various embodiments, a compound of Formula (IV) is a compound ofFormula (II):

wherein X is a linker group, and R is -L₁R¹.

In various embodiments, X can be selected from a bond, —(CH₂)_(q)—,—(CH₂)_(q)CH═CH(CH₂)_(r)—, —NH—, —NHC(O)(CH₂)_(q)—, and any combinationsthereof, wherein q is independently for each occurrence 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 and wherein r is independently for eachoccurrence 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12. In someembodiments, X is a bond; —NH—; —NHC(O)(CH₂)_(q)—, wherein q is 4, 6, or8; or —CH₂CH═CH—. In some embodiments, X is —NH—.

In various embodiments, -L₁R¹ can be selected from a bond —R¹,—(CH₂)_(q)—R¹, —(CH₂)_(q)CH═CH(CH₂)_(r)—R¹, —NH—R¹, —NHC(O)(CH₂)_(q)—R¹,and any combinations thereof, wherein q is independently for eachoccurrence 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 and wherein r isindependently for each occurrence 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11or 12. In some embodiments, -L₁R¹ is a bond-R¹; —NH—R¹;—NHC(O)(CH₂)_(q)—R¹, wherein q is 4, 6, or 8; or —CH₂CH═CH—R¹.

In some embodiments of compounds of Formula (II), -L₁R¹ is an optionallysubstituted alkyl. In one embodiment, R is methyl.

Exemplary compounds of Formula (II) include, but are not limited to, acompound of Formula (II-1):

In various embodiments a compound of Formula (V) is a compound ofFormula (III):

wherein X is a linker (e.g., L₂) and Y is absent or an substituent foran aromatic group. In some embodiments, Y is selected from the groupconsisting of alkyl, CF₃, NO₂, CO₂H, SO₂H, cyano, hydroxy, thiol,alkylthio, alkoxy, acyl, halogen, amino, alkyl amino, dialkylamino, andany combinations thereof. While only one Y substituent is shown, morethan one Y, e.g. one, two, three, four or five Ys, can be present on thebenzene ring.

In various embodiments, at least one Y is present and is an alkoxygroup. Exemplary alkoxy groups for Y include, but are not limited to,methoxy, ethoxy, propyloxy, tert-butoxy, n-propyloxy, iso-propyloxy,n-butyloxy, iso-butyloxy, and the like. In one embodiment, Y is methoxy.

In various embodiments, X can be selected from a bond, —(CH₂)_(q)—,—(CH₂)_(q)CH═CH(CH₂)_(r)—, —NH—, —NHC(O)(CH₂)_(q)—, and any combinationsthereof, wherein q is independently for each occurrence 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 and wherein r is independently for eachoccurrence 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12. In someembodiments, X is a bond; —NH—; —NHC(O)(CH₂)_(q)—, wherein q is 4, 6, or8; or —CH₂CH═CH—. In some embodiments, X is a bond.

In some embodiments, a compound of Formula (III) is a compound ofFormula (III-1):

The compound of Formula (III-1) is also referred to as ALB-185357herein. In various embodiments, a compound of Formula (V) is a compoundof Formula (IIIb):

wherein X is a linker (e.g., L₂) and Y is absent or an substituent foran aromatic group. In some embodiments, Y is selected from the groupconsisting of alkyl, CF₃, NO₂, CO₂H, SO₂H, cyano, hydroxy, thiol,alkylthio, alkoxy, acyl, halogen, amino, alkyl amino, dialkylamino, andany combinations thereof. While only one Y substituent is shown, morethan one Y, e.g. one, two, three, four or five Ys, can be present on thebenzene ring.

In various embodiments, at least one Y is present and is an alkoxygroup. Exemplary alkoxy groups for Y include, but are not limited to,methoxy, ethoxy, propyloxy, tert-butoxy, n-propyloxy, iso-propyloxy,n-butyloxy, iso-butyloxy, and the like. In one embodiment, Y is methoxy.

In various embodiments, X can be selected from a bond, —(CH₂)_(q)—,—(CH₂)_(q)CH═CH(CH₂)_(r)—, —NH—, —NHC(O)(CH₂)_(q)—, and any combinationsthereof, wherein q is independently for each occurrence 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 and wherein r is independently for eachoccurrence 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12. In someembodiments, X is a bond; —NH—; —NHC(O)(CH₂)_(q)—, wherein q is 4, 6, or8; or —CH₂CH═CH—. In one embodiment X is a bond.

In some embodiments, a compound of Formula (IIIb) is a compound ofFormula (IIIb-1) having the structure:

The compound of Formula (IIIb-1) is also referred to as ALB-188540herein.

Compounds disclosed herein can be prepared beginning with commerciallyavailable starting materials and utilizing general synthetic techniquesand procedures known to those skilled in the art. Chemicals can bepurchased from companies such as for example Aldrich, ArgonautTechnologies, VWR and Lancaster. Chromatography supplies and equipmentmay be purchased from such companies as for example AnaLogix, Inc,Burlington, Wis.; Biotage AB, Charlottesville, Va.; Analytical Sales andServices, Inc., Pompton Plains, N.J.; Teledyne Isco, Lincoln, Nebr.; VWRInternational, Bridgeport, N.J.; Varian Inc., Palo Alto, Calif., andMultigram TT Mettler Toledo Instrument Newark, Del. Biotage, ISCO andAnalogix columns are pre-packed silica gel columns used in standardchromatography.

Synthesis of various exemplary compounds of Formula (IV) is shown belowin Schemes I, II, III and IV, and synthesis of some exemplary compoundsof Formula (V) is shown below in Scheme V. It is noted that anordinarily skilled arisan can easily adapt these for preparing anyone ofthe compounds of Formula (I)-(VI). Scheme I depicts, in accordance withvarious embodiments of the invention, reaction schemes toward compoundsof Formula I, for examples, targets 1a, 1b and 1c (Formula I-1a, 1b and1c). Scheme II depicts, in accordance with various embodiments of theinvention, reaction schemes toward compounds of Formula I, for examples,target 2 (Formula I-2). Target 2 is similar to En Vivo Pharma HDACinhibitor shown in FIG. 8. Scheme III depicts, in accordance withvarious embodiments of the invention, reaction schemes toward compoundsof Formula I, for examples, target 3 (Formula I-3). Target 3 has asmaller zinc-binding moiety. Scheme IV depicts, in accordance withvarious embodiments of the invention, reaction schemes toward compoundsof Formula II, for examples, target 4 (Formula II-1). Target 4 combinesthe benzamide moiety of SAHA and benzyl moiety of TDZD-8. Scheme Vdepicts, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention,reaction schemes toward compounds of Formula III, for examples, target 5(Formula III-1). Target 5 is an analog of GSK3β inhibitors reported inKhanfar et a. (Discovery of novel GSK-3β inhibitors with potent in vitroand in vivo activities and excellent brain permeability using combinedligand- and structure-based virtual screening; J Med Chem. 2010 Dec. 23;53(24):8534-45), which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety as though fully set forth. The hydroxamic acid moiety of target5 can engage in the critical H-bonds required for GSK3β activity as wellas serving as the zinc-binding moiety for HDAC inhibition.

Targets 1a, 1b and 1c

Target 2

Target 3

Target 4

Target 5

As discussed herein, the dual inhibitor, HDAC inhibitor or GSK3βinhibitor can be conjugated with a particle, such as a magneticparticle. In some embodiments, the dual inhibitor, HDAC inhibitor orGSK3β inhibitor can be linked to the particle via a linker comprising acleavable group. For example, the linker can comprise a group that iscleavable at a higher rate in a cancer cell or tumor relative to itscleavage in a non-cancer cell. In some embodiments, the linker cancomprise a group that is cleavable by an enzyme present at a higheramount in a cancer cell or tumor relative to its amount in a non-cancercell. In some embodiments, the linker can comprise a cleavable groupthat is cleaved by a peptidase present at a higher amount in a cancercell or tumor relative to its amount in a non-cancer cell. In someembodiments, the linker comprises a cleavable group that is cleaved byCathepsin G.

FIGS. 10-12 show components of an exemplar system having a dualinhibitor (FIG. 10), or one each of a HDAC inhibitor and a GSK3βinhibitor, and prodrug moieties such as cleavable enzyme substrates andnanoparticles. For example, the dual inhibitor, or one each of a HDACinhibitor and a GSK3β inhibitor, is attached to a peptidase substrate(FIG. 11) which, in turn, can be attached to a magnetic particle (FIG.12). Attachment to a magnetic vehicle allows for the guidance of theagents to the tumor. Because tumors have high concentrations ofCathepsin G, the inhibitors are released at the tumor.

As a non-limiting example, an inhibitor (e.g., a dual inhibitor, or oneeach of a HDAC inhibitor and a GSK3β inhibitor) can be attached to acleavable enzyme substrate (e.g., a Cathepsin G substrate Suc-AAPF-pNAfrom Santa Cruz Biotechnology) using protocols recommended by themanufacturer and/or known by one of ordinary skill in the art. As anon-limiting example, a cleavable enzyme substrate (e.g., a Cathepsin Gsubstrate Suc-AAPF-pNA from Santa Cruz Biotechnology) can be attached toa magnetic particle (e.g., siMAG from Chemicell) using protocolsrecommended by the manufacturer and/or known by one of ordinary skill inthe art (e.g., free carboxyl conjugation, carboiimide method, andMannich reaction.

Generally, the particle can be of any shape or form, e.g., spherical,rod, elliptical, cylindrical, capsule, or disc; and these particles canbe part of a network or an aggregate. Without limitations, the particlecan have any size from nm to millimeters. In some embodiments, theparticle is a microparticle or a nanoparticle. As used herein, the term“microparticle” refers to a particle having a particle size of about 1μm to about 1000 μm. As used herein, the term “nanoparticle” refers toparticle having a particle size of about 0.1 nm to about 1000 nm.Generally, the particles disclosed herein are nanoparticles and have anaverage diameter of from about 5 nm to about 500 nm. In someembodiments, the particles have an average diameter of from about 75 nmto about 500 nm, from about 25 nm to about 250 nm, from about 50 nm toabout 150 nm, from about 75 nm to about 125 nm, from about 50 nm toabout 500 nm, from about 75 nm to about 200 nm, from about 100 to about175 nm, from about 125 nm to about 175 nm, from about 40 nm to about 90nm, or from about 50 nm to about 80 nm.

In some embodiments a nanoparticle can be less than about 1 um indiameter, e.g., about 1 um or less in diameter, about 500 nm or less indiameter, about 400 nm or less in diameter, about 300 nm or less indiameter, about 200 nm or less in diameter, about 100 nm or less indiameter, about 50 nm or less in diameter, or about 10 nm or less indiameter. In some embodiments a nanoparticle can be less than 1 um indiameter, e.g., 1 um or less in diameter, 500 nm or less in diameter,400 nm or less in diameter, 300 nm or less in diameter, 200 nm or lessin diameter, 100 nm or less in diameter, 50 nm or less in diameter, or10 nm or less in diameter. In some embodiments, the nanoparticles in acomposition can be from about 1 nm to about 1 um in diameter, e.g. fromabout 1 nm to about 500 nm in diameter, from about 1 nm to about 200 nmin diameter, from about 10 nm to about 200 nm in diameter, from about100 nm to about 200 nm in diameter, or from about 10 nm to about 100 nmin diameter. In some embodiments, the nanoparticles in a composition canbe from 1 nm to 1 um in diameter, e.g. from 1 nm to 500 nm in diameter,from 1 nm to 200 nm in diameter, from 10 nm to 200 nm in diameter, from100 nm to 200 nm in diameter, or from 10 nm to 100 nm in diameter.

In some embodiments, nanoparticles can be selected to be of specificsizes, e.g. less than about 200 nm in diameter. Methods of selectingnanoparticles of a particular size and/or range of sizes are known inthe art and can include, by way of non-limiting example, filtration,sedimentation, centrifugation, and/or chromatographic methods, e.g. SEC.

It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that particlesusually exhibit a distribution of particle sizes around the indicated“size.” Unless otherwise stated, the term “particle size” as used hereinrefers to the mode of a size distribution of particles, i.e., the valuethat occurs most frequently in the size distribution. Methods formeasuring the particle size are known to a skilled artisan, e.g., bydynamic light scattering (such as photocorrelation spectroscopy, laserdiffraction, low-angle laser light scattering (LALLS), and medium-anglelaser light scattering (MALLS)), light obscuration methods (such asCoulter analysis method), or other techniques (such as rheology, andlight or electron microscopy).

In some embodiments, the particles can be substantially spherical. Whatis meant by “substantially spherical” is that the ratio of the lengthsof the longest to the shortest perpendicular axis of the particle crosssection is less than or equal to about 1.5. Substantially spherical doesnot require a line of symmetry. Further, the particles can have surfacetexturing, such as lines or indentations or protuberances that are smallin scale when compared to the overall size of the particle and still besubstantially spherical. In some embodiments, the ratio of lengthsbetween the longest and shortest axes of the particle is less than orequal to about 1.5, less than or equal to about 1.45, less than or equalto about 1.4, less than or equal to about 1.35, less than or equal toabout 1.30, less than or equal to about 1.25, less than or equal toabout 1.20, less than or equal to about 1.15 less than or equal to about1.1. Without wishing to be bound by a theory, surface contact isminimized in particles that are substantially spherical, which minimizesthe undesirable agglomeration of the particles upon storage. Manycrystals or flakes have flat surfaces that can allow large surfacecontact areas where agglomeration can occur by ionic or non-ionicinteractions. A sphere permits contact over a much smaller area.

The particles can be, e.g., monodispersed or polydispersed and thevariation in diameter of the particles of a given dispersion can vary.In some embodiments, the particles have substantially the same particlesize. Particles having a broad size distribution where there are bothrelatively big and small particles allow for the smaller particles tofill in the gaps between the larger particles, thereby creating newcontact surfaces. A broad size distribution can result in larger spheresby creating many contact opportunities for binding agglomeration. Theparticles described herein are within a narrow size distribution,thereby minimizing opportunities for contact agglomeration. What ismeant by a “narrow size distribution” is a particle size distributionthat has a ratio of the volume diameter of the 90th percentile of thesmall spherical particles to the volume diameter of the 10th percentileless than or equal to 5. In some embodiments, the volume diameter of the90th percentile of the small spherical particles to the volume diameterof the 10th percentile is less than or equal to 4.5, less than or equalto 4, less than or equal to 3.5, less than or equal to 3, less than orequal to 2.5, less than or equal to 2, less than or equal to 1.5, lessthan or equal to 1.45, less than or equal to 1.40, less than or equal to1.35, less than or equal to 1.3, less than or equal to 1.25, less thanor equal to 1.20, less than or equal to 1.15, or less than or equal to1.1.

Geometric Standard Deviation (GSD) can also be used to indicate thenarrow size distribution. GSD calculations involved determining theeffective cutoff diameter (ECD) at the cumulative less than percentagesof 15.9% and 84.1%. GSD is equal to the square root of the ratio of theECD less than 84.17% to ECD less than 15.9%. The GSD has a narrow sizedistribution when GSD<2.5. In some embodiments, GSD is less than 2, lessthan 1.75, or less than 1.5. In one embodiment, GSD is less than 1.8.

In various embodiments, the particle can comprise a magnetic material.As used herein, the term “magnetic material” refers to a material orsubstance that is influenced by a magnetic field, i.e. relativepermeability (μ_(r)) of the material is greater than unity. Suchmagnetic materials are intended to include those which are referred toas ferromagnetic, diamagnetic, paramagnetic, and superparamagnetic. Asis the conventional understanding given that term, superparamagneticmaterials exhibit magnetic properties only when in an externally appliedmagnetic field, and otherwise exhibit essentially no magneticproperties; and their total magnetism is greater than the sum of that ofthe individual particles considered separately. If the particle size ofthe magnetic material is sufficiently small, the magnetic material willmost likely be superparamagnetic. The magnetic properties of theparticle comprising the magnetic material are greatly influenced by thesaturation magnetization, size, and concentration of magnetic material,as well as the strength of the external magnetic field.

The magnetic material can be any molecule, composition, particle, orsubstance that exhibits magnetic properties when incorporated into thematrix. The magnetic materials can be selected from the group ofelements having atomic numbers 21-29, 42, 44, and 57-70, elements havingatomic numbers 24-29 or 62-69 being especially preferred. Preferably, amagnetic material is selected from the group including but not limitedto, rare earth metals (such as gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium,erbium and europium), transient metals (such as iron, nickel, cobalt,magnesium chromium and copper), noble metals (such as rhodium,palladium), their oxides, compositions, combinations, solid dispersions,and alloys.

In some embodiments, the magnetic material is selected from the groupconsisting of maghemite (Fe₂O₃), magnetite (Fe₃O₄), strontium ferrite,samarium-cobalt, neodymium-iron-boron (NIB), lodestone, pyrrhotite,BaFe₁₂O₁₉, Alnico magnet alloy, transfer salts of decamethylmetalloceneswith 7,7,8,8-tetracyano-p-quinodimethane (TCNQ) or tetracyanoethenide(TCNE) (such as [Fe(Cp*)₂]⁺[TCNE]⁻, [Fe(Cp*)₂]⁺[TCNQ]⁻,[Cr(Cp*)₂]⁺[TCNE]⁻, [Cr(Cp*)₂]⁺[TCNQ]⁻, [Mn(Cp*)₂]⁺[TCNE]⁻, and[Mn(Cp*)₂]⁺[TCNQ]⁻), hexylammonium trichlorocuprate(II)(CuCl₃(C₆H₁₁NH₃), Fe based amorphous magnetic powders, and combinationsthereof.

In some embodiments, the magnetic material comprising particle is amagnetic nanoparticle. Magnetic nanoparticles are a class ofnanoparticle which can be manipulated using magnetic field. Suchparticles commonly consist of magnetic elements such as iron, nickel andcobalt and their chemical compounds. Magnetic nanoparticles are wellknown and methods for their synthesis are described in the art, forexample, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,878,445; 5,543,158; 5,578,325; 6,676,729;6,045,925 and 7,462,446, and U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2005/0025971; No.2005/0200438; No. 2005/0201941; No. 2005/0271745; No. 2006/0228551; No.2006/0233712; No. 2007/01666232 and No. 2007/0264199, contents of all ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In some embodiments, the particle is siMAG magnetic beads, availablefrom, for example, chemicell GmbH (Berlin, Germany). Both aminefunctionalized and carboxyl functionalized SiMAG beads are available.Thus, any method of coupling taking advantage of the amine or thecarboxyl group can be used for conjugating the dual inhibitor, HDACinhibitor or GSK3β inhibitor to the siMAG beads. For example,cabodiimide based coupling reactions can be used for both the aminefunctionalized and carboxyl functionalized siMAG beads. Mannich reactioncan be used for the amine functionalized siMAG beads.

Treatment Methods

In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method oftreating, preventing, reducing the likelihood of having, reducing theseverity of and/or slowing the progression of a condition in a subject.The method consists of or consists essentially of or comprises:administering a therapeutically effective amount of a dual inhibitor tothe subject, thereby treating, preventing, reducing the likelihood ofhaving, reducing the severity of and/or slowing the progression of thecondition in the subject.

In various embodiments, the method further comprises administration ortreatment with one or more additional cancer therapies. Examples ofanti-cancer therapies include, without limitation, surgery, radiationtherapy (radiotherapy), biotherapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, or acombination of these therapies. In addition, cytotoxic agents,anti-angiogenic and anti-proliferative agents can be used in combinationwith the dual inhibitor.

In those embodiments where a combination therapy regimen is applied, thedual inhibitor and one or more anti-cancer therapeutic agents asdescribed herein are administered in a therapeutically effective orsynergistic amount. As used in such embodiments encompassing combinationtherapies, a therapeutically effective amount is such thatco-administration of the dual inhibitor and one or more otheranti-cancer therapeutic agent results in reduction or inhibition of thecancer as described herein. A “therapeutically synergistic amount” isthat amount of dual inhibitor and one or more other anti-cancertherapeutic agent necessary to synergistically or significantly reduceor eliminate conditions or symptoms associated with a particular cancer.

In some embodiments, the dual inhibitor and one or more otheranti-cancer therapeutic agent can be administered simultaneously orsequentially in an amount and for a time sufficient to reduce oreliminate the occurrence or recurrence of a tumor, a dormant tumor, or amicrometastases. In some embodiments, the dual inhibitor and one or moreother therapeutic agents can be administered as maintenance therapy toprevent or reduce the likelihood of recurrence of the tumor.

Without limitation, the dual inhibitor and the one or more otheranti-cancer therapeutic agent can be provided in separate compositionsor in the same composition. Further, the dual inhibitor and the one ormore other anti-cancer therapeutic agent can be administeredconcurrently or sequentially. In certain embodiments, the dual inhibitoris administered before, during or after administering the one or moreother anti-cancer therapeutic agent.

In various embodiments, the method further comprises: administering achemotherapeutic agent to the subject. In some embodiments, the dualinhibitor and the chemotherapeutic agent are provided in onecomposition. In other embodiments, the dual inhibitor and thechemotherapeutic agent are provided in separate compositions. In variousembodiments, the dual inhibitor and the chemotherapeutic agent areadministered concurrently or sequentially. In certain embodiments, thedual inhibitor is administered before, during or after administering thechemotherapeutic agent.

As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, theappropriate doses of chemotherapeutic agents or other anti-cancer agentswill be generally around those already employed in clinical therapies,e.g., where the chemotherapeutics are administered alone or incombination with other chemotherapeutics. Variation in dosage willlikely occur depending on the condition being treated. The physicianadministering treatment will be able to determine the appropriate dosefor the individual subject.

In addition to the above therapeutic regimes, the subject can besubjected to radiation therapy.

In still further embodiments, the dual inhibitor is attached to acleavable enzyme substrate and the cleavable enzyme substrate isattached to a magnetic particle. In one embodiment, the cleavable enzymesubstrate is a substrate of an enzyme enriched in a cancer or tumor. Inanother embodiment, the cleavable enzyme substrate is a substrate of apeptidase enriched in a cancer or tumor. In certain embodiment, thecleavable enzyme substrate is a substrate of Cathepsin G. In variousembodiments, the method further comprises using a magnetic field toguide the dual inhibitor to a cancer or tumor.

In some embodiments, the dual inhibitor is a compound of Formula IV,Formula V, Formula VI, or Formula VII. In various embodiments, the dualinhibitor is a compound of Formula I, Formula II, Formula III, IIIb,Formula I-1, Formula I-1a, Formula I-1b, Formula I-1c, Formula I-2,Formula I-3, Formula II-1, Formula III-1, Formula-IIIb-1, or acombination thereof.

In accordance with the invention, the dual inhibitor can be administeredusing the appropriate modes of administration, for instance, the modesof administration recommended by the manufacturer. In accordance withthe invention, various routes can be utilized to administer the dualinhibitor of the claimed methods, including but not limited to aerosol,nasal, oral, transmucosal, transdermal, parenteral, implantable pump,continuous infusion, topical application, capsules and/or injections. Invarious embodiments, the dual inhibitor is administered topically,intravascularly, intravenously, intraarterially, intratumorally,intramuscularly, subcutaneously, intraperitoncally, intranasally, ororally.

Typical dosages of an effective amount of the dual inhibitor can be inthe ranges recommended by the manufacturer where known therapeuticcompounds are used, and also as indicated to the skilled artisan by thein vitro responses in cells or in vivo responses in animal models. Suchdosages typically can be reduced by up to about an order of magnitude inconcentration or amount without losing relevant biological activity. Theactual dosage can depend upon the judgment of the physician, thecondition of the patient, and the effectiveness of the therapeuticmethod based, for example, on the in vitro responsiveness of relevantcultured cells or histocultured tissue sample, or the responses observedin the appropriate animal models. In various embodiments, the dualinhibitor may be administered once a day (SID/QD), twice a day (BID),three times a day (TID), four times a day (QID), or more, so as toadminister an effective amount of the dual inhibitor to the subject,where the effective amount is any one or more of the doses describedherein.

In some embodiments, the dual inhibitor is administered at about0.001-0.01, 0.01-0.1, 0.1-0.5, 0.5-5, 5-10, 10-20, 20-50, 50-100,100-200, 200-300, 300-400, 400-500, 500-600, 600-700, 700-800, 800-900,or 900-1000 mg/kg, or a combination thereof. In other embodiments, thedual inhibitor is administered at about 0.001-0.01, 0.01-0.1, 0.1-0.5,0.5-5, 5-10, 10-20, 20-50, 50-100, 100-200, 200-300, 300-400, 400-500,500-600, 600-700, 700-800, 800-900, or 900-1000 μg/kg, or a combinationthereof. In various embodiments, the dual inhibitor is administeredabout 1-3 times per day, 1-7 times per week, or 1-9 times per month. Invarious embodiments, the dual inhibitor is administered for about 1-10days, 10-20 days, 20-30 days, 30-40 days, 40-50 days, 50-60 days, 60-70days, 70-80 days, 80-90 days, 90-100 days, 1-6 months, 6-12 months, or1-5 years. In various embodiments, the dual inhibitor is administeredonce, twice, three or more times.

In various embodiments, the effective amount of the dual inhibitor isany one or more of about 0.001-0.01, 0.01-0.1, 0.1-0.5, 0.5-5, 5-10,10-20, 20-50, 50-100, 100-200, 200-300, 300-400, 400-500, 500-600,600-700, 700-800, 800-900, or 900-1000 μM, or a combination thereof.

In various embodiments, the effective amount of the dual inhibitor isany one or more of about 0.01 to 0.05 μg/kg/day, 0.05-0.1 μg/kg/day, 0.1to 0.5 μg/kg/day, 0.5 to 5 μg/kg/day, 5 to 10 μg/kg/day, 10 to 20μg/kg/day, 20 to 50 μg/kg/day, 50 to 100 μg/kg/day, 100 to 150μg/kg/day, 150 to 200 μg/kg/day, 200 to 250 μg/kg/day, 250 to 300μg/kg/day, 300 to 350 μg/kg/day, 350 to 400 μg/kg/day, 400 to 500μg/kg/day, 500 to 600 μg/kg/day, 600 to 700 μg/kg/day, 700 to 800μg/kg/day, 800 to 900 μg/kg/day, 900 to 1000 μg/kg/day, 0.01 to 0.05mg/kg/day, 0.05-0.1 mg/kg/day, 0.1 to 0.5 mg/kg/day, 0.5 to 1 mg/kg/day,1 to 5 mg/kg/day, 5 to 10 mg/kg/day, 10 to 15 mg/kg/day, 15 to 20mg/kg/day, 20 to 50 mg/kg/day, 50 to 100 mg/kg/day, 100 to 200mg/kg/day, 200 to 300 mg/kg/day, 300 to 400 mg/kg/day, 400 to 500mg/kg/day, 500 to 600 mg/kg/day, 600 to 700 mg/kg/day, 700 to 800mg/kg/day, 800 to 900 mg/kg/day, 900 to 1000 mg/kg/day, or a combinationthereof. Here, “μg/kg/day” or “mg/kg/day” refers to μg or mg per kg bodyweight of the subject per day.

In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method oftreating, preventing, reducing the likelihood of having, reducing theseverity of and/or slowing the progression of a condition in a subject.The method consists of or consists essentially of or comprises:administering a therapeutically effective amount of a HDAC inhibitor anda GSK3β inhibitor to the subject, thereby treating, preventing, reducingthe likelihood of having, reducing the severity of and/or slowing theprogression of the condition in the subject.

In some embodiments, the HDAC inhibitor and the GSK3β inhibitor areprovided in one composition. In other embodiments, the HDAC inhibitorand the GSK3β inhibitor are provided in separate compositions. Invarious embodiments, the HDAC inhibitor and the GSK3β inhibitor areadministered concurrently or sequentially. In certain embodiments, theHDAC inhibitor is administered before, during or after administering theGSK3β inhibitor.

In various embodiments, the method further comprises administration ortreatment with one or more additional cancer therapies in addition tothe administering the HDAC inhibitor and the GSK3β inhibitor. In thoseembodiments where a combination therapy regimen is applied, the HDACinhibitor, the GSK3β inhibitor and one or more anti-cancer therapeuticagents as described herein are administered in a therapeuticallyeffective or synergistic amount. As used in such embodimentsencompassing combination therapies, a therapeutically effective amountis such that co-administration of the HDAC inhibitor and the GSK3βinhibitor and one or more other anti-cancer therapeutic agent results inreduction or inhibition of the cancer as described herein. In thiscontext, a “therapeutically synergistic amount” is that amount of theHDAC inhibitor and the GSK3β inhibitor and one or more other anti-cancertherapeutic agent necessary to synergistically or significantly reduceor eliminate conditions or symptoms associated with a particular cancer.

In some embodiments, the HDAC inhibitor, the GSK3β inhibitor and one ormore other anti-cancer therapeutic agent can be administeredsimultaneously or sequentially in an amount and for a time sufficient toreduce or eliminate the occurrence or recurrence of a tumor, a dormanttumor, or a micrometastases. In some embodiments, the HDAC inhibitor,the GSK3β inhibitor and one or more other therapeutic agents can beadministered as maintenance therapy to prevent or reduce the likelihoodof recurrence of the tumor.

Without limitation, at least one of the HDAC inhibitor or the GSK3βinhibitor and the one or more other anti-cancer therapeutic agent can beprovided in separate compositions or in the same composition. Further,the dual inhibitor and the one or more other anti-cancer therapeuticagent can be administered concurrently or sequentially. In certainembodiments, the dual inhibitor is administered before, during or afteradministering the one or more other anti-cancer therapeutic agent.

In some embodiments, at least one of the HDAC inhibitor and/or the GSK3βis provided in the same composition as the additional anti-cancertherapeutic agent. In some embodiments, the HDAC inhibitor, the GSK3βinhibitor and the additional anti-cancer therapeutic agent are providedin one composition. In other embodiments, the HDAC inhibitor, the GSK3βinhibitor and the additional anti-cancer therapeutic agent are providedin separate compositions. In various embodiments, the HDAC inhibitor,the GSK3β and the additional anti-cancer therapeutic agent areadministered concurrently or sequentially. In certain embodiments, atleast one of the HDAC inhibitor or the GSK3β inhibitor is administeredbefore, during or after administering the additional anti-cancertherapeutic agent.

In various embodiments, the method further comprises: administering achemotherapeutic agent to the subject in addition to the HDAC inhibitorand the GSK3β inhibitor. In some embodiments, at least one of the HDACinhibitor and/or the GSK3β is provided in the same composition as theadditional chemotherapeutic agent. In some embodiments, the HDACinhibitor, the GSK3β inhibitor and the additional chemotherapeutic agentare provided in one composition. In other embodiments, the HDACinhibitor, the GSK3β inhibitor and the chemotherapeutic agent areprovided in separate compositions. In various embodiments, the HDACinhibitor, the GSK3β and the chemotherapeutic agent are administeredconcurrently or sequentially. In certain embodiments, at least one ofthe HDAC inhibitor or the GSK3β inhibitor is administered before, duringor after administering the chemotherapeutic agent.

In addition administering the HDAC inhibitor and the GSK3β inhibitor,the subject can be subjected to radiation therapy.

In still further embodiments, the HDAC inhibitor and/or the GSK3βinhibitor are attached to a cleavable enzyme substrate and the cleavableenzyme substrate is attached to a magnetic particle. In one embodiment,the cleavable enzyme substrate is a substrate of an enzyme enriched in acancer or tumor. In another embodiment, the cleavable enzyme substrateis a substrate of a peptidase enriched in a cancer or tumor. In certainembodiment, the cleavable enzyme substrate is a substrate of CathepsinG. In various embodiments, the method further comprises using a magneticfield to guide the HDAC inhibitor and/or the GSK3β inhibitor to a canceror tumor.

In various embodiments, the HDAC inhibitor is SAHA, TSA, TPX, MS-275,Valproic Acid, or CHAP31, or a functional equivalent, analog, derivativeor salt thereof, or a combination thereof. In various embodiments, theGSK3β inhibitor is SB216763, TDZD-8, or Tideglusib (NP-12), or afunctional equivalent, analog, derivative or salt thereof, or acombination thereof.

In accordance with the invention, the HDAC inhibitor and the GSK3βinhibitor can be administered using the appropriate modes ofadministration, for instance, the modes of administration recommended bythe manufacturer for each of the HDAC inhibitor and the GSK3β inhibitor.In accordance with the invention, various routes can be utilized toadminister the HDAC inhibitor and the GSK3β inhibitor of the claimedmethods, including but not limited to aerosol, nasal, oral,transmucosal, transdermal, parenteral, implantable pump, continuousinfusion, topical application, capsules and/or injections. In variousembodiments, the HDAC inhibitor is administered topically,intravascularly, intravenously, intraarterially, intratumorally,intramuscularly, subcutaneously, intraperitoneally, intranasally, ororally. In various embodiments, the GSK3β inhibitor is administeredtopically, intravascularly, intravenously, intraarterially,intratumorally, intramuscularly, subcutaneously, intraperitoneally,intranasally, or orally.

Typical dosages of an effective amount of the HDAC inhibitor and/or theGSK3β inhibitor can be in the ranges recommended by the manufacturerwhere known therapeutic compounds are used, and also as indicated to theskilled artisan by the in vitro responses in cells or in vivo responsesin animal models. Such dosages typically can be reduced by up to aboutan order of magnitude in concentration or amount without losing relevantbiological activity. The actual dosage can depend upon the judgment ofthe physician, the condition of the patient, and the effectiveness ofthe therapeutic method based, for example, on the in vitroresponsiveness of relevant cultured cells or histocultured tissuesample, or the responses observed in the appropriate animal models. Invarious embodiments, the HDAC inhibitor and/or the GSK3β inhibitor canbe administered once a day (SID/QD), twice a day (BID), three times aday (TID), four times a day (QID), or more, so as to administer aneffective amount of the HDAC inhibitor and/or the GSK3β inhibitor to thesubject, where the effective amount is any one or more of the dosesdescribed herein.

In various embodiments, the HDAC inhibitor is administered at about0.001-0.01, 0.01-0.1, 0.1-0.5, 0.5-5, 5-10, 10-20, 20-50, 50-100,100-200, 200-300, 300-400, 400-500, 500-600, 600-700, 700-800, 800-900,or 900-1000 mg/kg, or a combination thereof. In various embodiments, theHDAC inhibitor is administered at about 0.001-0.01, 0.01-0.1, 0.1-0.5,0.5-5, 5-10, 10-20, 20-50, 50-100, 100-200, 200-300, 300-400, 400-500,500-600, 600-700, 700-800, 800-900, or 900-1000 μg/kg, or a combinationthereof. In various embodiments, the HDAC inhibitor is administeredabout 1-3 times per day, 1-7 times per week, or 1-9 times per month. Invarious embodiments, the HDAC inhibitor is administered for about 1-10days, 10-20 days, 20-30 days, 30-40 days, 40-50 days, 50-60 days, 60-70days, 70-80 days, 80-90 days, 90-100 days, 1-6 months, 6-12 months, or1-5 years. In various embodiments, the HDAC inhibitor is administeredonce, twice, three or more times. In one embodiment, the HDAC inhibitoris SAHA, or a functional equivalent, analog, derivative or salt of SAHA.

In some embodiments, the GSK3β inhibitor is administered at about0.001-0.01, 0.01-0.1, 0.1-0.5, 0.5-5, 5-10, 10-20, 20-50, 50-100,100-200, 200-300, 300-400, 400-500, 500-600, 600-700, 700-800, 800-900,or 900-1000 mg/kg, or a combination thereof. In other embodiments, theGSK3β inhibitor is administered at about 0.001-0.01, 0.01-0.1, 0.1-0.5,0.5-5, 5-10, 10-20, 20-50, 50-100, 100-200, 200-300, 300-400, 400-500,500-600, 600-700, 700-800, 800-900, or 900-1000 μg/kg, or a combinationthereof. In various embodiments, the GSK3β inhibitor is administeredabout 1-3 times per day, 1-7 times per week, or 1-9 times per month. Invarious embodiments, the GSK3β inhibitor is administered for about 1-10days, 10-20 days, 20-30 days, 30-40 days, 40-50 days, 50-60 days, 60-70days, 70-80 days, 80-90 days, 90-100 days, 1-6 months, 6-12 months, or1-5 years. In various embodiments, the GSK3β inhibitor is administeredonce, twice, three or more times. In one embodiment, the GSK3β inhibitoris TDZD-8, or a functional equivalent, analog, derivative or salt ofTDZD-8. In another embodiment, the GSK3β inhibitor is Tideglusib, or afunctional equivalent, analog, derivative or salt of Tideglusib.

In various embodiments, the effective amount of the HDAC inhibitorand/or GSK3β inhibitor are any one or more of about 0.001-0.01,0.01-0.1, 0.1-0.5, 0.5-5, 5-10, 10-20, 20-50, 50-100, 100-200, 200-300,300-400, 400-500, 500-600, 600-700, 700-800, 800-900, or 900-1000 μM, ora combination thereof.

In various embodiments, the effective amount of the HDAC inhibitorand/or GSK3β inhibitor are any one or more of about 0.01 to 0.05μg/kg/day, 0.05-0.1 μg/kg/day, 0.1 to 0.5 μg/kg/day, 0.5 to 5 μg/kg/day,5 to 10 μg/kg/day, 10 to 20 μg/kg/day, 20 to 50 μg/kg/day, 50 to 100μg/kg/day, 100 to 150 μg/kg/day, 150 to 200 μg/kg/day, 200 to 250μg/kg/day, 250 to 300 μg/kg/day, 300 to 350 μg/kg/day, 350 to 400μg/kg/day, 400 to 500 μg/kg/day, 500 to 600 μg/kg/day, 600 to 700μg/kg/day, 700 to 800 μg/kg/day, 800 to 900 μg/kg/day, 900 to 1000μg/kg/day, 0.01 to 0.05 mg/kg/day, 0.05-0.1 mg/kg/day, 0.1 to 0.5mg/kg/day, 0.5 to 1 mg/kg/day, 1 to 5 mg/kg/day, 5 to 10 mg/kg/day, 10to 15 mg/kg/day, 15 to 20 mg/kg/day, 20 to 50 mg/kg/day, 50 to 100mg/kg/day, 100 to 200 mg/kg/day, 200 to 300 mg/kg/day, 300 to 400mg/kg/day, 400 to 500 mg/kg/day, 500 to 600 mg/kg/day, 600 to 700mg/kg/day, 700 to 800 mg/kg/day, 800 to 900 mg/kg/day, 900 to 1000mg/kg/day, or a combination thereof. Here, “μg/kg/day” or “mg/kg/day”refers to μg or mg per kg body weight of the subject per day.

In various embodiments, the subject is a human. In some embodiments, thesubject is a mammalian subject including but not limited to human,monkey, ape, dog, cat, cow, horse, goat, pig, rabbit, mouse and rat.

In various embodiments, the condition is cancer or tumor. In someembodiments, the condition is pancreatic cancer. In some embodiments,the dual inhibitor, the HDAC inhibitor and/or GSK3β inhibitor can beadministered at the prevention stage of a condition (i.e., when thesubject has not developed the condition but is likely to or in theprocess to develop the condition). In other embodiments, the dualinhibitor, the HDAC inhibitor and/or GSK3β inhibitor can be administeredat the treatment stage of a condition (i.e., when the subject hasalready developed the condition). As a non-limiting example, the targetcondition is pancreatic cancer. In this exemplar situation, the patientmay be treated with the methods described herein when the patient hasnot yet developed pancreatic cancer, or is likely to develop pancreaticcancer, or is in the process of developing pancreatic cancer, or hasalready developed pancreatic cancer.

Pharmaceutical Compositions

In various embodiments, the present invention provides a compositionthat consists of or consists essentially of or comprises a dualinhibitor of HDAC and GSK3β. In accordance with the present invention,the composition can be used for treating, preventing, reducing thelikelihood of having, reducing the severity of and/or slowing theprogression of a condition in a subject.

In various embodiments, the dual inhibitor is a compound of Formula I,Formula II, Formula III, Formula I-1, Formula I-1a, Formula I-1b,Formula I-1c, Formula I-2, Formula I-3, Formula II-1, Formula III-1,Formula IIIb, Formula IIIb-1, Formula IV, Formula V, Formula VI, FormulaVII, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the dual inhibitorin the composition is provided in mg dual inhibitor per kilogram bodyweight of the subject, for example, about 0.001-0.01, 0.01-0.1, 0.1-0.5,0.5-5, 5-10, 10-20, 20-50, 50-100, 100-200, 200-300, 300-400, 400-500,500-600, 600-700, 700-800, 800-900, or 900-1000 mg/kg, or a combinationthereof. In other embodiments, the dual inhibitor in the composition isprovided in μg dual inhibitor per kilogram body weight of the subject,for example, about 0.001-0.01, 0.01-0.1, 0.1-0.5, 0.5-5, 5-10, 10-20,20-50, 50-100, 100-200, 200-300, 300-400, 400-500, 500-600, 600-700,700-800, 800-900, or 900-1000 μg/kg, or a combination thereof.

In various further embodiments, the composition further comprises acleavable enzyme substrate and a magnetic particle, wherein the dualinhibitor is attached to the cleavable enzyme substrate and thecleavable enzyme substrate is attached to the magnetic particle. In oneembodiment, the cleavable enzyme substrate is a substrate of an enzymeenriched in a cancer or tumor. In another embodiment, the cleavableenzyme substrate is a substrate of a peptidase enriched in a cancer ortumor. In certain embodiment, the cleavable enzyme substrate is asubstrate of Cathepsin G.

In various embodiments, the present invention provides a compositionthat consists of or consists essentially of or comprises a HDACinhibitor and a GSK3β inhibitor. In accordance with the presentinvention, the composition may be used for treating, preventing,reducing the likelihood of having, reducing the severity of and/orslowing the progression of a condition in a subject.

In various embodiments, the HDAC inhibitor is SAHA, TSA, TPX, MS-275,Valproic Acid, or CHAP31, or their functional equivalents, analogs,derivatives or salts, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, theHDAC inhibitor in the composition is provided in mg HDAC inhibitor perkilogram body weight of the subject, for example, about 0.001-0.01,0.01-0.1, 0.1-0.5, 0.5-5, 5-10, 10-20, 20-50, 50-100, 100-200, 200-300,300-400, 400-500, 500-600, 600-700, 700-800, 800-900, or 900-1000 mg/kg,or a combination thereof. In other embodiments, the HDAC inhibitor inthe composition is provided in μg HDAC inhibitor per kilogram bodyweight of the subject, for example, about 0.001-0.01, 0.01-0.1, 0.1-0.5,0.5-5, 5-10, 10-20, 20-50, 50-100, 100-200, 200-300, 300-400, 400-500,500-600, 600-700, 700-800, 800-900, or 900-1000 μg/kg, or a combinationthereof.

In various embodiments, the GSK3β inhibitor is SB216763, TDZD-8, orTideglusib (NP-12), or their functional equivalents, analogs,derivatives or salts, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, theGSK3β inhibitor in the composition is provided in mg GSK3β inhibitor perkilogram body weight of the subject, for example, about 0.001-0.01,0.01-0.1, 0.1-0.5, 0.5-5, 5-10, 10-20, 20-50, 50-100, 100-200, 200-300,300-400, 400-500, 500-600, 600-700, 700-800, 800-900, or 900-1000 mg/kg,or a combination thereof. In other embodiments, the GSK3β inhibitor inthe composition is provided in μg GSK3β inhibitor per kilogram bodyweight of the subject, for example, about 0.001-0.01, 0.01-0.1, 0.1-0.5,0.5-5, 5-10, 10-20, 20-50, 50-100, 100-200, 200-300, 300-400, 400-500,500-600, 600-700, 700-800, 800-900, or 900-1000 μg/kg, or a combinationthereof.

In various further embodiments, the composition further comprises acleavable enzyme substrate and a magnetic particle, wherein the HDACinhibitor and/or the GSK3β inhibitor are attached to the cleavableenzyme substrate and the cleavable enzyme substrate is attached to themagnetic particle. In one embodiment, the cleavable enzyme substrate isa substrate of an enzyme enriched in a cancer or tumor. In anotherembodiment, the cleavable enzyme substrate is a substrate of a peptidaseenriched in a cancer or tumor. In certain embodiment, the cleavableenzyme substrate is a substrate of Cathepsin G.

In certain embodiments, the various compositions described hereinfurther comprise a chemotherapeutic agent. In some embodiments, thechemotherapeutic agent is selected from the group consisting ofActinomycin, Alitretinoin, All-trans retinoic acid, Azacitidine,Azathioprine, Bevacizumab, Bexatotene, Bleomycin, Bortezomib,Carboplatin, Capecitabine, Cetuximab, Cisplatin, Chlorambucil,Cyclophosphamide, Cytarabine, Daunorubicin, Docetaxel, Doxifluridine,Doxorubicin, Epirubicin, Epothilone, Erlotinib, Etoposide, Fluorouracil,Gefitinib, Gemcitabine, Hydroxyurea, Idarubicin, Imatinib, Ipilimumab,Irinotecan, Mechlorethamine, Melphalan, Mercaptopurine, Methotrexate,Mitoxantrone, Ocrelizumab, Ofatumumab, Oxaliplatin, Paclitaxel,Panitumab, Pemetrexed, Rituximab, Tafluposide, Teniposide, Tioguanine,Topotecan, Tretinoin, Valrubicin, Vemurafenib, Vinblastine, Vincristine,Vindesine, Vinorelbine, Vorinostat, Romidepsin, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU),6-mercaptopurine (6-MP), Cladribine, Clofarabine, Floxuridine,Fludarabine, Pentostatin, Mitomycin, ixabepilone, Estramustine,prednisone, methylprednisolone, dexamethasone, and any combinationthereof.

In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions according to theinvention are administered to a mammal or human. Preferredpharmaceutical compositions will also exhibit minimal toxicity whenadministered to a mammal or human. In various embodiments, thepharmaceutical compositions according to the invention are formulatedfor topical, intravascular, intravenous, intraarterial, intratumoral,intramuscular, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, intranasal or oraladministration.

In various embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions according to theinvention can be formulated for delivery via any route ofadministration. “Route of administration” may refer to anyadministration pathway known in the art, including but not limited toaerosol, nasal, oral, transmucosal, transdermal, parenteral, enteral,topical or local. “Parenteral” refers to a route of administration thatis generally associated with injection, including intraorbital,infusion, intraarterial, intracapsular, intracardiac, intradermal,intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intrapulmonary, intraspinal,intrasternal, intrathecal, intrauterine, intravenous, subarachnoid,subcapsular, subcutaneous, transmucosal, or transtracheal. Via theparenteral route, the compositions may be in the form of solutions orsuspensions for infusion or for injection, or as lyophilized powders.Via the enteral route, the pharmaceutical compositions can be in theform of tablets, gel capsules, sugar-coated tablets, syrups,suspensions, solutions, powders, granules, emulsions, microspheres ornanospheres or lipid vesicles or polymer vesicles allowing controlledrelease. Via the topical route, the pharmaceutical compositions can bein the form of aerosol, lotion, cream, gel, ointment, suspensions,solutions or emulsions. Methods for these administrations are known toone skilled in the art.

The pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention can bedelivered in a therapeutically effective amount. The precisetherapeutically effective amount is that amount of the composition thatwill yield the most effective results in terms of efficacy of treatmentin a given subject. This amount will vary depending upon a variety offactors, including but not limited to the characteristics of thetherapeutic compound (including activity, pharmacokinetics,pharmacodynamics, and bioavailability), the physiological condition ofthe subject (including age, sex, disease type and stage, generalphysical condition, responsiveness to a given dosage, and type ofmedication), the nature of the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier orcarriers in the formulation, and the route of administration. Oneskilled in the clinical and pharmacological arts will be able todetermine a therapeutically effective amount through routineexperimentation, for instance, by monitoring a subject's response toadministration of a compound and adjusting the dosage accordingly. Foradditional guidance, see Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy(Gennaro ed. 20th edition, Williams & Wilkins PA, USA) (2000).

In various embodiments, the composition is administered 1-3 times perday, 1-7 times per week, or 1-9 times per month. In various embodiments,the composition is administered for about 1-10 days, 10-20 days, 20-30days, 30-40 days, 40-50 days, 50-60 days, 60-70 days, 70-80 days, 80-90days, 90-100 days, 1-6 months, 6-12 months, or 1-5 years. In variousembodiments, the composition may be administered once a day (SID/QD),twice a day (BID), three times a day (TID), four times a day (QID), ormore, so as to administer an effective amount of the dual inhibitor, theHDAC inhibitor, and/or the GSK3β inhibitor to the subject, where theeffective amount is any one or more of the doses described herein.

In various embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions according to theinvention can contain any pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.“Pharmaceutically acceptable excipient” means an excipient that isuseful in preparing a pharmaceutical composition that is generally safe,non-toxic, and desirable, and includes excipients that are acceptablefor veterinary use as well as for human pharmaceutical use. Suchexcipients can be solid, liquid, semisolid, or, in the case of anaerosol composition, gaseous. Examples of excipients include but are notlimited to starches, sugars, microcrystalline cellulose, diluents,granulating agents, lubricants, binders, disintegrating agents, wettingagents, emulsifiers, coloring agents, release agents, coating agents,sweetening agents, flavoring agents, perfuming agents, preservatives,antioxidants, plasticizers, gelling agents, thickeners, hardeners,setting agents, suspending agents, surfactants, humectants, carriers,stabilizers, and combinations thereof.

In various embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions according to theinvention can contain any pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.“Pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” as used herein refers to apharmaceutically acceptable material, composition, or vehicle that isinvolved in carrying or transporting a compound of interest from onetissue, organ, or portion of the body to another tissue, organ, orportion of the body. For example, the carrier may be a liquid or solidfiller, diluent, excipient, solvent, or encapsulating material, or acombination thereof. Each component of the carrier must be“pharmaceutically acceptable” in that it must be compatible with theother ingredients of the formulation. It must also be suitable for usein contact with any tissues or organs with which it may come in contact,meaning that it must not carry a risk of toxicity, irritation, allergicresponse, immunogenicity, or any other complication that excessivelyoutweighs its therapeutic benefits.

The pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention can also beencapsulated, tableted or prepared in an emulsion or syrup for oraladministration. Pharmaceutically acceptable solid or liquid carriers maybe added to enhance or stabilize the composition, or to facilitatepreparation of the composition. Liquid carriers include syrup, peanutoil, olive oil, glycerin, saline, alcohols and water. Solid carriersinclude starch, lactose, calcium sulfate, dihydrate, terra alba,magnesium stearate or stearic acid, talc, pectin, acacia, agar orgelatin. The carrier may also include a sustained release material suchas glyceryl monostearate or glyceryl distearate, alone or with a wax.

The pharmaceutical preparations are made following the conventionaltechniques of pharmacy involving dry milling, mixing, and blending forpowder forms; milling, mixing, granulation, and compressing, whennecessary, for tablet forms; or milling, mixing and filling for hardgelatin capsule forms. When a liquid carrier is used, the preparationwill be in the form of a syrup, elixir, emulsion or an aqueous ornon-aqueous suspension. Such a liquid formulation may be administereddirectly p.o. or filled into a soft gelatin capsule.

Before administration to patients, formulants may be added to thecomposition. A liquid formulation may be preferred. For example, theseformulants may include oils, polymers, vitamins, carbohydrates, aminoacids, salts, buffers, albumin, surfactants, bulking agents orcombinations thereof.

Carbohydrate formulants include sugar or sugar alcohols such asmonosaccharides, disaccharides, or polysaccharides, or water solubleglucans. The saccharides or glucans can include fructose, dextrose,lactose, glucose, mannose, sorbose, xylose, maltose, sucrose, dextran,pullulan, dextrin, alpha and beta cyclodextrin, soluble starch,hydroxethyl starch and carboxymethylcellulose, or mixtures thereof.“Sugar alcohol” is defined as a C4 to C8 hydrocarbon having an —OH groupand includes galactitol, inositol, mannitol, xylitol, sorbitol,glycerol, and arabitol. These sugars or sugar alcohols mentioned abovemay be used individually or in combination. There is no fixed limit toamount used as long as the sugar or sugar alcohol is soluble in theaqueous preparation. In one embodiment, the sugar or sugar alcoholconcentration is between 1.0 w/v % and 7.0 w/v %, more preferablebetween 2.0 and 6.0 w/v %.

Amino acids formulants include levorotary (L) forms of carnitine,arginine, and betaine; however, other amino acids may be added.

Polymers formulants include polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) with an averagemolecular weight between 2,000 and 3,000, or polyethylene glycol (PEG)with an average molecular weight between 3,000 and 5,000.

It is also preferred to use a buffer in the composition to minimize pHchanges in the solution before lyophilization or after reconstitution.Most any physiological buffer may be used including but not limited tocitrate, phosphate, succinate, and glutamate buffers or mixturesthereof. In some embodiments, the concentration is from 0.01 to 0.3molar. Surfactants that can be added to the formulation are shown in EPNos. 270,799 and 268,110.

Another drug delivery system for increasing circulatory half-life is theliposome. Methods of preparing liposome delivery systems are discussedin Gabizon et al., Cancer Research (1982) 42:4734; Cafiso, BiochemBiophys Acta (1981) 649:129; and Szoka, Ann Rev Biophys Eng (1980)9:467. Other drug delivery systems are known in the art and aredescribed in, e.g., Poznansky et al., DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS (R. L.Juliano, ed., Oxford, N.Y. 1980), pp. 253-315; M. L. Poznansky, PharmRevs (1984) 36:277.

After the liquid pharmaceutical composition is prepared, it may belyophilized to prevent degradation and to preserve sterility. Methodsfor lyophilizing liquid compositions are known to those of ordinaryskill in the art. Just prior to use, the composition may bereconstituted with a sterile diluent (Ringer's solution, distilledwater, or sterile saline, for example) which may include additionalingredients. Upon reconstitution, the composition is administered tosubjects using those methods that are known to those skilled in the art.

The compositions of the invention can be sterilized by conventional,well-known sterilization techniques. The resulting solutions may bepackaged for use or filtered under aseptic conditions and lyophilized,the lyophilized preparation being combined with a sterile solution priorto administration. The compositions can containpharmaceutically-acceptable auxiliary substances as required toapproximate physiological conditions, such as pH adjusting and bufferingagents, tonicity adjusting agents and the like, for example, sodiumacetate, sodium lactate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calciumchloride, and stabilizers (e.g., 1-20% maltose, etc.).

The pharmaceutical composition according to the invention can also be abead system for delivering the therapeutic agent to the target cells.For example, pectin/zein hydrogel bead system may be used to deliverNeuregulin-4 or a pharmaceutical equivalent, analog, derivative or asalt thereof, to the target cells in the subject (Yan F. et al., J ClinInvest. 2011 June; 121(6):2242-53).

Kits of the Invention

In various embodiments, the present invention provides a kit fortreating, preventing, reducing the severity of and/or slowing theprogression of a condition in a subject. The kit consists of or consistsessentially of or comprises: a quantity of a dual inhibitor of HDAC andGSK3β; and instructions for using the dual inhibitor to treat, prevent,reduce the likelihood of having, reduce the severity of and/or slow theprogression of the condition in the subject.

In some embodiments, the dual inhibitor is a compound of Formula I,Formula II, Formula III, Formula I-1, Formula I-1a, Formula I-1b,Formula I-1c, Formula I-2, Formula I-3, Formula II-1, Formula III-1,Formula IIIb, Formula IIIb-1, Formula IV, Formula V, Formula VI, FormulaVII, or a combination thereof.

In various embodiments, the dual inhibitor is conjugated with aparticle. In various further embodiments, the dual inhibitor is attachedto a cleavable enzyme substrate and the cleavable enzyme substrate isattached to a magnetic particle.

In various embodiments, the present invention provides a kit fortreating, preventing, reducing the severity of and/or slowing theprogression of a condition in a subject. The kit consists of or consistsessentially of or comprises: a quantity of a HDAC inhibitor; a quantityof a GSK3β inhibitor; and instructions for using the HDAC inhibitor andthe GSK3β inhibitor to treat, prevent, reduce the likelihood of having,reduce the severity of and/or slow the progression of the condition inthe subject.

In various embodiments, the HDAC inhibitor is SAHA, TSA, TPX, MS-275,Valproic Acid, or CHAP31, or their functional equivalents, analogs,derivatives or salts, or a combination thereof. In various embodiments,the GSK3β inhibitor is SB216763, TDZD-8, or Tideglusib (NP-12), or theirfunctional equivalents, analogs, derivatives or salts, or a combinationthereof. In various further embodiments, the HDAC inhibitor and/or theGSK3β inhibitor are attached to a cleavable enzyme substrate and thecleavable enzyme substrate is attached to a magnetic particle.

In various further embodiments, the kits according to the presentinvention further comprise a chemotherapeutic agent and instructions forusing the chemotherapeutic agent to treat, prevent, reduce thelikelihood of having, reduce the severity of and/or slow the progressionof the condition in the subject. In some embodiments, thechemotherapeutic agent in the kit is selected from the group consistingof Actinomycin, Alitretinoin, All-trans retinoic acid, Azacitidine,Azathioprine, Bevacizumab, Bexatotene, Bleomycin, Bortezomib,Carboplatin, Capecitabine, Cetuximab, Cisplatin, Chlorambucil,Cyclophosphamide, Cytarabine, Daunorubicin, Docetaxel, Doxifluridine,Doxorubicin, Epirubicin, Epothilone, Erlotinib, Etoposide, Fluorouracil,Gefitinib, Gemcitabine, Hydroxyurea, Idarubicin, Imatinib, Ipilimumab,Irinotecan, Mechlorethamine, Melphalan, Mercaptopurine, Methotrexate,Mitoxantrone, Ocrelizumab, Ofatumumab, Oxaliplatin, Paclitaxel,Panitumab, Pemetrexed, Rituximab, Tafluposide, Teniposide, Tioguanine,Topotecan, Tretinoin, Valrubicin, Vemurafenib, Vinblastine, Vincristine,Vindesine, Vinorelbine, Vorinostat, Romidepsin, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU),6-mercaptopurine (6-MP), Cladribine, Clofarabine, Floxuridine,Fludarabine, Pentostatin, Mitomycin, ixabepilone, Estramustine,prednisone, methylprednisolone, dexamethasone or a combination thereof.

The kit is an assemblage of materials or components, including at leastone of the inventive compositions. The exact nature of the componentsconfigured in the inventive kit depends on its intended purpose. In oneembodiment, the kit is configured particularly for the purpose oftreating mammalian subjects. In another embodiment, the kit isconfigured particularly for the purpose of treating human subjects. Infurther embodiments, the kit is configured for veterinary applications,treating subjects such as, but not limited to, farm animals, domesticanimals, and laboratory animals.

Instructions for use may be included in the kit. “Instructions for use”typically include a tangible expression describing the technique to beemployed in using the components of the kit to affect a desired outcome.Optionally, the kit also contains other useful components, such as,spray bottles or cans, diluents, buffers, pharmaceutically acceptablecarriers, syringes, catheters, applicators (for example, applicators ofcream, gel or lotion etc.), pipetting or measuring tools, bandagingmaterials or other useful paraphernalia as will be readily recognized bythose of skill in the art.

The materials or components assembled in the kit can be provided to thepractitioner stored in any convenient and suitable ways that preservetheir operability and utility. For example the pharmaceuticalcompositions can be in dissolved, dehydrated, or lyophilized form; theycan be provided at room, refrigerated or frozen temperatures. Thecomponents are typically contained in suitable packaging material(s). Asemployed herein, the phrase “packaging material” refers to one or morephysical structures used to house the contents of the kit, such asinventive compositions and the like. The packaging material isconstructed by well-known methods, preferably to provide a sterile,contaminant-free environment. As used herein, the term “package” refersto a suitable solid matrix or material such as glass, plastic, paper,foil, and the like, capable of holding the individual kit components.Thus, for example, a package can be a glass vial used to containsuitable quantities of a composition as described herein. The packagingmaterial generally has an external label which indicates the contentsand/or purpose of the kit and/or its components.

Exemplary embodiments of the various aspects disclosed herein can bedescribed by one of more of the following numbered paragraphs:

-   -   1. A compound of Formula (IV):

-   -   -   wherein:            -   L₁ and L₂ are independently a linker;            -   R¹ is an aromatic moiety, alkyl, acyl, cyclyl or                heterocyclyl, each of which can be optionally                substituted;            -   R² is hydrogen, lower alkyl, cyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl,                or heteroaryl, each of which can be optionally                substituted;            -   R³ is absent or an aromatic moiety, which can be                optionally substituted;            -   p is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10; and            -   wherein -L₁R¹ is linked to one nitrogen of the                thiadiazolidine ring and —(CH₂)_(p)—R³-L₂-C(O)NHOR² is                linked to the other nitrogen of the thiadiazolidine                ring.

    -   2. The compound of paragraph 1, having the structure of Formula        (VI):

-   -   3. The compound of paragraph 1 or 2, having the structure of        Formula (I):

-   -   -   wherein:            -   X is a linker group; and            -   Y is absent or an aromatic substituent.

    -   4. The compound of any of paragraphs 1-3, having the structure        of Formula (I-1):

-   -   -   wherein n is an integer from 1 to 12.

    -   5. The compound of any of paragraphs 1-4 wherein the compound        is:

-   -   6. The compound of paragraph 2 having the structure of Formula        (VI):

-   -   7. The compound of any of paragraphs 1, 2, or 6, having the        structure of Formula (II):

-   -   -   wherein:            -   X is a linker group and R is -L₁R¹.

    -   8. The compound of any of paragraphs 1, 2, 6 or 7, having the        structure of Formula (II-1):

-   -   9. A compound of Formula (V):

-   -   -   wherein:            -   L₁ and L₂ are independently a linker;            -   R¹ is an aromatic moiety, alkyl, acyl, cyclyl or                heterocyclyl, each of which can be optionally                substituted;            -   R² is hydrogen, lower alkyl, cyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl,                or heteroaryl, each of which can be optionally                substituted;            -   R³ is absent or an aromatic moiety, which can be                optionally substituted; and            -   p is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10.

    -   10. The compound of paragraph 9, having the structure of Formula        (III):

-   -   -   wherein:            -   X is a linker group; and            -   Y is absent or an aromatic substituent.

    -   11. The compound of paragraph 9 or 10, having the structure of        Formula (III-1):

-   -   12. The compound of paragraph 9, having the structure of Formula        (IIIb):

-   -   -   wherein:            -   X is a linker group; and            -   Y is absent or an aromatic substituent.

    -   13. The compound of paragraph 9 or 12, wherein the compound is        of Formula (IIIb-1):

-   -   14. The compound of any of paragraphs 1-13, wherein the compound        is linked to a particle.    -   15. The compound of paragraph 14, wherein the particle is a        magnetic particle.    -   16. The compound of paragraph 14 or 15, wherein the compound is        linked to a particle via a linker comprising a cleavable linking        group.    -   17. The compound of paragraph 16, wherein the cleavable linking        group is cleaved by an enzyme.    -   18. The compound of paragraph 16 or 17, wherein the cleavable        linking group is cleaved by an enzyme enriched in a cancer or        tumor.    -   19. The compound of any of paragraphs 16-18, wherein the        cleavable linking group is cleaved by a peptidase enriched in a        cancer or tumor.    -   20. The compound of any of paragraphs 16-19, wherein the        cleavable linking group is a cleavable substrate of Cathepsin G.    -   21. A composition comprising a dual inhibitor of HDAC and GSK3β.    -   22. The composition of paragraph 21, wherein the dual inhibitor        is a compound of anyone of paragraphs 1-20.    -   23. The composition of paragraph 21 or 22, further comprising a        pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient.    -   24. The composition of any of paragraphs 21-23, wherein the        composition is formulated for topical, intravascular,        intravenous, intraarterial, intratumoral, intramuscular,        subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, intranasal or oral        administration.    -   25. The composition of any of paragraphs 21-24, wherein the        composition further comprises an anti-cancer therapeutic agent.    -   26. The composition of paragraph 25, wherein the anti-cancer        therapeutic agent is a chemotherapeutic agent.    -   27. A method of treating, preventing, reducing the likelihood of        having, reducing the severity of and/or slowing the progression        of a condition in a subject, comprising: administering a        therapeutically effective amount of a dual inhibitor of HDAC and        GSK3β to the subject, thereby treating, preventing, reducing the        likelihood of having, reducing the severity of and/or slowing        the progression of the condition in the subject.    -   28. The method of paragraph 27, wherein the condition is cancer        or tumor.    -   29. The method of paragraph 27 or 28, wherein the condition is        pancreatic cancer.    -   30. The method of any of paragraphs 27-29, wherein the subject        is a human.    -   31. The method of any of paragraph 27-30, wherein the dual        inhibitor is a compound of any of paragraphs 1-20.    -   32. The method of any of paragraphs 27-32, wherein the dual        inhibitor is administered topically, intravascularly,        intravenously, intraarterially, intratumorally, intramuscularly,        subcutaneously, intraperitoneally, intranasally, or orally.    -   33. The method of any of paragraphs 27-32, wherein the dual        inhibitor is administered at about 0.001-0.01, 0.01-0.1,        0.1-0.5, 0.5-5, 5-10, 10-20, 20-50, 50-100, 100-200, 200-300,        300-400, 400-500, 500-600, 600-700, 700-800, 800-900, or        900-1000 mg/kg, or a combination thereof.    -   34. The method of any of paragraphs 27-32, wherein the dual        inhibitor is administered at about 0.001-0.01, 0.01-0.1,        0.1-0.5, 0.5-5, 5-10, 10-20, 20-50, 50-100, 100-200, 200-300,        300-400, 400-500, 500-600, 600-700, 700-800, 800-900, or        900-1000 μg/kg, or a combination thereof.    -   35. The method of any of paragraphs 27-34, wherein the dual        inhibitor is administered about 1-3 times per day, 1-7 times per        week, or 1-9 times per month.    -   36. The method of any of paragraphs 27-35, wherein the dual        inhibitor is administered for about 1-10 days, 10-20 days, 20-30        days, 30-40 days, 40-50 days, 50-60 days, 60-70 days, 70-80        days, 80-90 days, 90-100 days, 1-6 months, 6-12 months, or 1-5        years.    -   37. The method of any of paragraphs 27-3627, further comprising        administering an additional anti-cancer therapy.    -   38. The method of paragraph 37, wherein the dual inhibitor and        the additional anti-cancer therapy are administered concurrently        or sequentially.    -   39. The method of paragraph 37 or 38, wherein the dual inhibitor        is administered before, during or after administering the        additional anti-cancer therapy.    -   40. The method of any of paragraphs 37-39, wherein the        additional anti-cancer therapy is selected from the group        consisting of surgery, radiation therapy (radiotherapy),        biotherapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and any combinations        thereof.    -   41. The method of any of paragraphs 37-40, wherein the        additional anti-cancer therapy comprises administering an        anti-cancer therapeutic agent to the subject.    -   42. The method of paragraph 41, wherein the dual inhibitor and        the anti-cancer therapeutic agent are provided in one        composition.    -   43. The method of paragraph 41 or 42, wherein the dual inhibitor        and the anti-cancer therapeutic agent are provided in separate        compositions.    -   44. The method of any of paragraphs 41-43, wherein the        anti-cancer therapeutic agent is a chemotherapeutic agent.    -   45. The method of any of paragraphs 27-44, wherein the dual        inhibitor is linked to a magnetic particle and the method        further comprises using a magnetic field to guide the dual        inhibitor to a cancer or tumor.    -   46. A kit for treating, preventing, reducing the likelihood of        having, reducing the severity of and/or slowing the progression        of a condition in a subject, comprising: a dual inhibitor of        HDAC and GSK3β; and instructions for using the dual inhibitor to        treat, prevent, reduce the likelihood of having, reduce the        severity of and/or slow the progression of the condition in the        subject.    -   47. The kit of paragraph 46, wherein the dual inhibitor of HDAC        and GSK3β is a compound of any of paragraphs 1-20.    -   48. The kit of paragraph 46 or 47, further comprising an        anti-cancer therapeutic agent.    -   49. The kit of paragraph 48, wherein the anti-cancer agent is a        chemotherapeutic agent.    -   50. A composition comprising a HDAC inhibitor and a GSK3β        inhibitor.    -   51. The composition of paragraph 50, wherein the HDAC inhibitor        is selected from the group consisting of SAHA, TSA, TPX, MS-275,        Valproic Acid, or CHAP31, or a functional equivalent, analog,        derivative or salt thereof, and any combinations thereof.    -   52. The composition of paragraph 50 or 51, wherein the GSK3β        inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of SB216763,        TDZD-8, Tideglusib (NP-12), or a functional equivalent, analog,        derivative or salt thereof, and any combinations thereof.    -   53. The composition of any of paragraphs 50-52, wherein the HDAC        inhibitor and/or the GSK3β inhibitor is about 0.001-0.01,        0.01-0.1, 0.1-0.5, 0.5-5, 5-10, 10-20, 20-50, 50-100, 100-200,        200-300, 300-400, 400-500, 500-600, 600-700, 700-800, 800-900,        or 900-1000 mg/kg, or a combination thereof.    -   54. The composition of any of paragraphs 50-53, wherein the HDAC        inhibitor and/or the GSK3β inhibitor is about 0.001-0.01,        0.01-0.1, 0.1-0.5, 0.5-5, 5-10, 10-20, 20-50, 50-100, 100-200,        200-300, 300-400, 400-500, 500-600, 600-700, 700-800, 800-900,        or 900-1000 μg/kg, or a combination thereof.    -   55. The composition of any of paragraphs 50-54, further        comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient or carrier.    -   56. The composition of any of paragraphs 50-55, wherein the        composition is formulated for topical, intravascular,        intravenous, intraarterial, intratumoral, intramuscular,        subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, intranasal or oral        administration.    -   57. The composition of any of paragraphs 50-56, wherein the        composition further comprises an anti-cancer therapeutic agent.    -   58. The composition of paragraph 57, wherein the anti-cancer        therapeutic agent is a chemotherapeutic agent.    -   59. The composition of paragraph 57 or 58, wherein at least one        of the HDAC inhibitor and the GSK3β is conjugated with a        particle.    -   60. The composition of paragraph 59, wherein the particle is a        magnetic particle.    -   61. The composition of paragraph 59 or 60, wherein the HDAC        inhibitor and/or the GSK3β is linked to the particle via a        linker comprising a cleavable linking group.    -   62. The composition of paragraph 61 wherein the cleavable        linking group is cleaved by an enzyme.    -   63. The composition of paragraph 61 or 62, wherein the cleavable        linking group is cleaved by an enzyme enriched in a cancer or        tumor.    -   64. The composition of any of paragraphs 61-63, wherein the        cleavable linking group is cleaved by a peptidase enriched in a        cancer or tumor.    -   65. The composition of any of paragraphs 61-64, wherein the        cleavable linking group is a cleavable substrate of Cathepsin G.    -   66. A method of treating, preventing, reducing the likelihood of        having, reducing the severity of and/or slowing the progression        of a condition in a subject, comprising:        -   administering a therapeutically effective amount of a HDAC            inhibitor and a GSK3β inhibitor to the subject, thereby            treating, preventing, reducing the likelihood of having,            reducing the severity of and/or slowing the progression of            the condition in the subject.    -   67. The method of paragraph 66, wherein the condition is cancer        or tumor.    -   68. The method of paragraph 66 or 67, wherein the condition is        pancreatic cancer.    -   69. The method of any of paragraphs 66-68, wherein the subject        is a human.    -   70. The method of any of paragraphs 66-69, wherein the HDAC        inhibitor and the GSK3β inhibitor are provided in one        composition.    -   71. The method of any of paragraphs 66-69, wherein the HDAC        inhibitor and the GSK3β inhibitor are provided in separate        compositions.    -   72. The method of any of paragraphs 66-71, wherein the HDAC        inhibitor and the GSK3β inhibitor are administered concurrently        or sequentially.    -   73. The method of any of paragraphs 66-72, wherein the HDAC        inhibitor is administered before, during or after administering        the GSK3β inhibitor.    -   74. The method of any of paragraphs 66-73, wherein the HDAC        inhibitor is SAHA, TSA, TPX, MS-275, Valproic Acid, or CHAP31,        or a functional equivalent, analog, derivative or salt thereof,        or a combination thereof.    -   75. The method of any of paragraphs 66-74, wherein the GSK3β        inhibitor is SB216763, TDZD-8, or Tideglusib (NP-12), or a        functional equivalent, analog, derivative or salt thereof, or a        combination thereof.    -   76. The method of any of paragraphs 66-75, wherein the HDAC        inhibitor and/or the GSK3β inhibitor is administered topically,        intravascularly, intravenously, intraarterially, intratumorally,        intramuscularly, subcutaneously, intraperitoneally,        intranasally, or orally.    -   77. The method of any of paragraphs 66-76, wherein the HDAC        inhibitor and/or the GSK3β inhibitor is administered at about        0.001-0.01, 0.01-0.1, 0.1-0.5, 0.5-5, 5-10, 10-20, 20-50,        50-100, 100-200, 200-300, 300-400, 400-500, 500-600, 600-700,        700-800, 800-900, or 900-1000 mg/kg, or a combination thereof.    -   78. The method of any of paragraphs 66-76, wherein the HDAC        inhibitor and/or the GSK3β inhibitor is administered at about        0.001-0.01, 0.01-0.1, 0.1-0.5, 0.5-5, 5-10, 10-20, 20-50,        50-100, 100-200, 200-300, 300-400, 400-500, 500-600, 600-700,        700-800, 800-900, or 900-1000 μg/kg, or a combination thereof.    -   79. The method of any of paragraphs 66-78, wherein the HDAC        inhibitor and/or the GSK3β inhibitor is administered about 1-3        times per day, 1-7 times per week, or 1-9 times per month.    -   80. The method of any of paragraphs 66-79, wherein the HDAC        inhibitor and/or the GSK3β inhibitor is administered for about        1-10 days, 10-20 days, 20-30 days, 30-40 days, 40-50 days, 50-60        days, 60-70 days, 70-80 days, 80-90 days, 90-100 days, 1-6        months, 6-12 months, or 1-5 years.    -   81. The method of any of paragraphs 66-8027, further comprising        administering an additional anti-cancer therapy.    -   82. The method of paragraph 81, wherein the HDAC inhibitor, the        GSK3β inhibitor and the additional anti-cancer therapy are        administered concurrently or sequentially.    -   83. The method of paragraph 81 or 82, wherein the HDAC inhibitor        and/or the GSK3β inhibitor is administered before, during or        after administering the additional anti-cancer therapy.    -   84. The method of any of paragraphs 81-83, wherein the        additional anti-cancer therapy is selected from the group        consisting of surgery, radiation therapy (radiotherapy),        biotherapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and any combinations        thereof.    -   85. The method of any of paragraphs 81-84, wherein the        additional anti-cancer therapy comprises administering an        anti-cancer therapeutic agent to the subject.    -   86. The method of any of paragraphs 81-85, wherein the HDAC        inhibitor, the GSK3β inhibitor and the chemotherapeutic agent        are provided in separate compositions.    -   87. The method of any of paragraphs 81-85, wherein at least two        of the HDAC inhibitor, the GSK3β inhibitor and the anti-cancer        therapeutic agent are provided in one composition.    -   88. The method of any of paragraphs 81-85, wherein all three of        the HDAC inhibitor, the GSK3β inhibitor and the anti-cancer        therapeutic agent are provided in one composition.    -   89. The method of any of paragraphs 81-88, wherein the        anti-cancer therapeutic agent is a chemotherapeutic agent.    -   90. The method of paragraph 66, wherein at least one of the HDAC        inhibitor and the GSK3β is conjugated with a particle.    -   91. The method of paragraph 90, wherein the particle is a        magnetic particle.    -   92. The method of paragraph 90 or 91, wherein the HDAC inhibitor        and/or the GSK3β is linked to the particle via a linker        comprising a cleavable linking group.    -   93. The method of paragraph 92, wherein the cleavable linking        group is cleaved by an enzyme.    -   94. The method of paragraph 92 or 93, wherein the cleavable        linking group is cleaved by an enzyme enriched in a cancer or        tumor.    -   95. The method of any of paragraphs 92-94, wherein the cleavable        linking group is cleaved by a peptidase enriched in a cancer or        tumor.    -   96. The method of any of paragraphs 92-95, wherein the cleavable        linking group is a cleavable substrate of Cathepsin G.    -   97. The method of any of paragraphs 92-96, wherein at least one        of the HDAC inhibitor and the GSK3β is linked to a magnetic        particle and the method further comprises using a magnetic field        to guide the HDAC inhibitor and/or the GSK3 to a cancer or        tumor.    -   98. A kit for treating, preventing, reducing the likelihood of        having, reducing the severity of and/or slowing the progression        of a condition in a subject, comprising:        -   a HDAC inhibitor;        -   a GSK3β inhibitor; and        -   instructions for using the HDAC inhibitor and the GSK3β            inhibitor to treat, prevent, reduce the likelihood of            having, reduce the severity of and/or slow the progression            of the condition in the subject.    -   99. The kit of paragraph 98, further comprising an anti-cancer        therapeutic agent.    -   100. The kit of paragraph 98 or 99, wherein the anti-cancer        agent is a chemotherapeutic agent.    -   101. The kit of any of paragraphs 98-101, wherein at least one        of the HDAC inhibitor and the GSK3β is conjugated with a        particle.    -   102. The kit of paragraph 101, wherein the particle is a        magnetic particle.    -   103. The kit of paragraph 101 or 102, wherein the HDAC inhibitor        and/or the GSK3β is linked to the particle via a linker        comprising a cleavable linking group.    -   104. The kit of paragraph 103, wherein the cleavable linking        group is cleaved by an enzyme.    -   105. The kit of paragraph 103 or 104, wherein the cleavable        linking group is cleaved by an enzyme enriched in a cancer or        tumor.    -   106. The kit of any of paragraphs 103-105, wherein the cleavable        linking group is cleaved by a peptidase enriched in a cancer or        tumor.    -   107. The kit of any of paragraphs 103-106, wherein the cleavable        linking group is a cleavable substrate of Cathepsin G.

Many variations and alternative elements have been disclosed inembodiments of the present invention. Still further variations andalternate elements will be apparent to one of skill in the art. Amongthese variations, without limitation, are the selection of constituentmodules for the inventive compositions, and the diseases and otherclinical conditions that may be diagnosed, prognosed or treatedtherewith. Various embodiments of the invention can specifically includeor exclude any of these variations or elements.

In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients,properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth,used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are tobe understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.”Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth inthe written description and attached claims are approximations that canvary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by aparticular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parametersshould be construed in light of the number of reported significantdigits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstandingthat the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scopeof some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numericalvalues set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely aspracticable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of theinvention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from thestandard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the inventiondisclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each groupmember can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combinationwith other members of the group or other elements found herein. One ormore members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group forreasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion ordeletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the groupas modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markushgroups used in the appended claims.

EXAMPLES

The invention will be further explained by the following Examples, whichare intended to be purely exemplary of the invention, and should not beconsidered as limiting the invention in any way. The following examplesare provided to better illustrate the claimed invention and are not tobe interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention. To the extentthat specific materials are mentioned, it is merely for purposes ofillustration and is not intended to limit the invention. One skilled inthe art may develop equivalent means or reactants without the exerciseof inventive capacity and without departing from the scope of theinvention.

Example 1

Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer by Novel Compounds and Methods thatSimultaneously Inhibit Growth Promoting GSKβ and Metastasis andTreatment Resistance Promoting HDAC

In various embodiments, the present invention provides cancer treatmentscombining inhibitors of both GSK3β and HDAC for K-ras mediated neoplasm.A general scheme is shown in FIG. 1 and the experimental results shownin FIGS. 2-7.

The inventors used a mouse model of pancreatic cancer where an oncogenecall mutant K-ras is expressed in the pancreas (pdx1-Cre-LSL-Kras).These mice were exposed to cigarette smoke for 6 weeks in smokingchambers. Groups of mice were injected with GSK3β inhibitor TDZD-8 (4mg/Kg, 3 times per week) and/or HDAC inhibitor Saha (50 mg/Kg; 5 timesper week) for 6 weeks.

The inventors found that animals receiving Saha had significantlydecreased formation of early cancer lesions called pancreaticintraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) compared to a control group; and thatthe combination of Saha and TDZD-8 significantly increased this effectcompared to each compound alone (FIG. 2). The same effect was observedwhen measuring fibrosis with collagen staining. Fibrosis is a measure ofcancer activity. Indeed, the combination of Saha and TDZD-8synergistically decreased fibrosis (FIG. 3).

Inhibition of GSK3β induces up-regulation of EMT as shown by a measureof vimentin which is an accepted measurement for EMT (FIG. 4). Thiseffect of GSK3β was prevented by the HDAC inhibitor Saha (FIG. 4). Sahaalso inhibited transcription factors known to regulate EMT such as Twistand Snail. A combination of the two inhibitors with gemcitabine, achemotherapeutic agent used in pancreatic cancer led to a completeinhibition of the EMT marker vimentin and its transcription factors(FIG. 4).

The combination of low doses of the inhibitors induced synergisticeffect on cancer cell survival (FIGS. 5-7). And more importantly, thepro-EMT/metastasis effect of GSK3β inhibition was prevented by the HDACinhibitor leading to a double beneficial effect by actingsynergistically on cell survival and growth and by reversing the sidepro-cancer effect of one of the inhibitors.

Example 2: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies on Exemplary Dual InhibitorsEffect of ALB-185357 on Cell Survival

BxPC-3 pancreatic cancer cell line was cultured in the presence orabsence of different doses of a combination of saha and tideglusib orwith ALB-185357 for 72 and cell survival measured by MTT assay. The datain FIG. 13 show that the compound ALB-185357 dose-dependently decreasedcell survival. The effect of the effect of ALB-185357 was greater thanthe combination of HDAC inhibitor saha and GSK-3β inhibitor tideglusib.Significance was achieved when using ALB-185357 at 300 nM and its effecton cells survival was bigger than the effect of the combination of sahaand tideglusib. As seen from FIGS. 4 and 7, the combination of saha andtideglusib had a synergistic effect on cell death, proliferation andmeasures of EMT. Thus, the effect of ALB-185357 (a dual inhibitor ofHDAC and GSK3β) represents an additional synergism to that observed withthe combination of individual agents.

Effect of ALB-185357 on Cell Apoptosis

MIA PaCa-2 cells were cultured in the presence or absence of differentdoses of ALB-185357 for 72 and apoptosis assessed by measuring DNAfragmentation. Results are shown in FIG. 14. As seen from the data inFIG. 14, ALB-185357 dose-dependently increases apoptosis as measured byDNA fragmentation level and significance was achieved at the dose of 300nM

Effect of ALB-185357 and Gemcitabine on Cell Apoptosis

MIA PaCa-2 cells were cultured in the presence or absence of differentdoses of ALB-185357 or gemcitabine at the low dose of 1 ng/ml for 72 andapoptosis assessed by measuring DNA fragmentation. The data in FIG. 15show that the combination of the ALB-185357 and gemcitabine induced abigger effect on inducing apoptosis compared to the each drug alone orto the expected additive effect.

Effect of ALB-188540 and ALB-185643 on Cell Survival

BxPC-3 pancreatic cancer cells were cultured in the presence or absenceof different doses of ALB-188540 or ALB-185643 for 72 and cell survivalmeasured by MTT assay. The data in FIGS. 16 and 16B show that compoundsALB-188540 (FIG. 16A) and ALB-185643 (FIG. 16B) had similar effect onsurvival of BxPC3 cells as the compound ALB-185357.

Effect of ALB-185357 on Cell Survival of Different Cancer and Non-CancerCell Types

Cells were cultured in the presence or absence of different doses ofALB-185357 for 72 and cell survival measured by MTT assay (FIGS. 17 and18) or by counting cell number (FIG. 19). The results of MTT assay areshown in FIGS. 17 and 18 and results of cell counting arc shown in FIG.19. This data demonstrate that ALB-185357 inhibits cells survival ofvarious cancer cell types.

Cells were cultured in the presence or absence of different doses ofALB-185357 for 72 and cell survival measured by MTT assay. The data inFIG. 20 show that the compound ALB-185357 does not affect cell survivalof normal pancreatic ductal cells.

Taken together, the data in FIGS. 17-20 demonstrate that ALB-185357 ishighly toxic to cancer cells from different cancer types, but has notoxicity against normal cells.

Effect of ALB-185357 on Histone Acetylation and GSK-3βPhosphorylation/Inhibition

Cells were cultured in the presence or absence of different doses ofALB-185357 for 72 and protein levels measured by Western. The data showthat the pathways expected to be regulated by ALB-185357 are, indeed,regulated by the drug. As seen in FIG. 21, the compound ALB-185357dose-dependently up-regulates the predicted targets histone acetylationand GSK-3β phosphorylation/inhibition in MIA PaCa-2 pancreatic cancercell line.

Effect of ALB-185357 on Histone Acetylation and GSK-3βPhosphorylation/Inhibition

Cells were cultured in the presence or absence of different doses ofALB-185357 for 72 and protein levels measured by Western (FIG. 22A) andcell invasion measured in Matrigel Invasion Chambers (FIG. 22B). Thedata in FIG. 22A show that ALB-185357 down-regulates proteins thatmediate cell's metastasis and resistance to treatments. The data in FIG.22B show that the ability of the cancer cells to invade isdown-regulated.

In Vivo Effect of ALB-185357 on Survival

KPC mice, which have Kras and p53 mutations and spontaneously developpancreatic adenocarcinoma, were ip injected 3 times per week with 5mg/Kg of ALB185357 from age 8 weeks until death. As seen from FIG. 23,the compound ALB-185357 improves survival of animals with advancepancreatic cancer.

The various methods and techniques described above provide a number ofways to carry out the application. Of course, it is to be understoodthat not necessarily all objectives or advantages described can beachieved in accordance with any particular embodiment described herein.Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that themethods can be performed in a manner that achieves or optimizes oneadvantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarilyachieving other objectives or advantages as taught or suggested herein.A variety of alternatives are mentioned herein. It is to be understoodthat some preferred embodiments specifically include one, another, orseveral features, while others specifically exclude one, another, orseveral features, while still others mitigate a particular feature byinclusion of one, another, or several advantageous features.

Furthermore, the skilled artisan will recognize the applicability ofvarious features from different embodiments. Similarly, the variouselements, features and steps discussed above, as well as other knownequivalents for each such element, feature or step, can be employed invarious combinations by one of ordinary skill in this art to performmethods in accordance with the principles described herein. Among thevarious elements, features, and steps some will be specifically includedand others specifically excluded in diverse embodiments.

Although the application has been disclosed in the context of certainembodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in theart that the embodiments of the application extend beyond thespecifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodimentsand/or uses and modifications and equivalents thereof.

Preferred embodiments of this application are described herein,including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out theapplication. Variations on those preferred embodiments will becomeapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading theforegoing description. It is contemplated that skilled artisans canemploy such variations as appropriate, and the application can bepracticed otherwise than specifically described herein. Accordingly,many embodiments of this application include all modifications andequivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended heretoas permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of theabove-described elements in all possible variations thereof isencompassed by the application unless otherwise indicated herein orotherwise clearly contradicted by context.

All patents, patent applications, publications of patent applications,and other material, such as articles, books, specifications,publications, documents, things, and/or the like, referenced herein arehereby incorporated herein by this reference in their entirety for allpurposes, excepting any prosecution file history associated with same,any of same that is inconsistent with or in conflict with the presentdocument, or any of same that may have a limiting affect as to thebroadest scope of the claims now or later associated with the presentdocument. By way of example, should there be any inconsistency orconflict between the description, definition, and/or the use of a termassociated with any of the incorporated material and that associatedwith the present document, the description, definition, and/or the useof the term in the present document shall prevail.

It is to be understood that the embodiments of the application disclosedherein are illustrative of the principles of the embodiments of theapplication. Other modifications that can be employed can be within thescope of the application. Thus, by way of example, but not oflimitation, alternative configurations of the embodiments of theapplication can be utilized in accordance with the teachings herein.Accordingly, embodiments of the present application are not limited tothat precisely as shown and described.

Various embodiments of the invention are described above in the DetailedDescription. While these descriptions directly describe the aboveembodiments, it is understood that those skilled in the art may conceivemodifications and/or variations to the specific embodiments shown anddescribed herein. Any such modifications or variations that fall withinthe purview of this description are intended to be included therein aswell. Unless specifically noted, it is the intention of the inventorsthat the words and phrases in the specification and claims be given theordinary and accustomed meanings to those of ordinary skill in theapplicable art(s).

The foregoing description of various embodiments of the invention knownto the applicant at this time of filing the application has beenpresented and is intended for the purposes of illustration anddescription. The present description is not intended to be exhaustivenor limit the invention to the precise form disclosed and manymodifications and variations are possible in the light of the aboveteachings. The embodiments described serve to explain the principles ofthe invention and its practical application and to enable others skilledin the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and withvarious modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to theparticular embodiments disclosed for carrying out the invention.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shownand described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that,based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be madewithout departing from this invention and its broader aspects and,therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope allsuch changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scopeof this invention.

1.-107. (canceled)
 108. A method of treating a cancer in a humansubject, comprising: administering a therapeutically effective amount ofa compound of Formula (IV):

wherein: L₁ and L₂ are independently a linker; R¹ is an aromatic moiety,alkyl, acyl, cyclyl or heterocyclyl, each of which can be optionallysubstituted; R² is hydrogen, lower alkyl, cyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, orheteroaryl, each of which can be optionally substituted; R³ is absent oran aromatic moiety, which can be optionally substituted; p is 0, 1, 2,3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10; and wherein -L₁R¹ is linked to one nitrogenof the thiadiazolidine ring and —(CH₂)_(p)—R³-L₂-C(O)NHOR² is linked tothe other nitrogen of the thiadiazolidine ring.
 109. The method of claim108, wherein the compound has the structure of Formula (VI):


110. The method of claim 109, wherein the compound has the structure ofFormula (I):

wherein: X is a linker group; and Y is absent or an aromaticsubstituent.
 111. The method of claim 3, wherein the compound has thestructure of Formula (I-1):

wherein n is an integer from 1 to
 12. 112. The method of claim 108,wherein the compound is:


113. The method of claim 2, wherein the compound has the structure ofFormula (VI):


114. The method of claim 6, wherein the compound has the structure ofFormula (II):

wherein: X is a linker group, and R is -L₁R¹.
 115. The method of claim7, wherein the compound has the structure of Formula (II-1):


116. The method of claim 108, wherein administering the therapeuticallyeffective amount of the compound of Formula (IV) comprises administeringa composition comprising the compound linked to a particle.
 117. Themethod of claim 116, wherein the particle is a magnetic particle. 118.The method of claim 116, wherein the compound is linked to the particlevia a linker comprising a cleavable linking group.
 119. The method ofclaim 118, wherein the cleavable linking group is cleavable by anenzyme.
 120. The method of claim 119, wherein the cleavable linkinggroup is cleavable by an enzyme enriched in a cancer or tumor.
 121. Themethod of claim 119, wherein the cleavable linking group is cleavable bya peptidase enriched in a cancer or tumor.
 122. The method of claim 119,wherein the cleavable linking group is a cleavable substrate ofCathepsin G.
 123. The method of claim 116, wherein the compositionfurther comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient.124. The method of claim 116, wherein the composition is formulated fortopical, intravascular, intravenous, intraarterial, intratumoral,intramuscular, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, intranasal or oraladministration.
 125. The method of claim 116, further comprisingadministering an anti-cancer therapeutic agent.
 126. The composition ofclaim 125, wherein the anti-cancer therapeutic agent is achemotherapeutic agent.
 127. The method of claim 108, wherein the canceris pancreatic cancer.